What Is a Weighted Blanket and How Does It Work?
A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket filled with small glass beads or plastic pellets. The added weight creates a sensation called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS).
Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that DPS may increase serotonin and melatonin levels while lowering cortisol — the stress hormone. This is why a weighted blanket for depression has become a widely used sleep tool around the world.
Think of it like a long, gentle hug. The pressure feels grounding and safe — especially during nights when the mind refuses to slow down.
How Does It Help People with Depression Sleep Better?
Depression often disrupts sleep in specific ways:
- Trouble falling asleep due to racing thoughts
- Waking up during the night
- Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
- Heightened anxiety at bedtime
The steady pressure of a weighted blanket for depression can interrupt this cycle. It signals the body to shift from a "fight or flight" state into a "rest and digest" state — making it easier to settle and sleep.
Source: Sleep Foundation — Sleep and Depression
What Size Weighted Blanket Is Right for an Adult?
Size matters for comfort and effectiveness. For most adults sharing a bed or sleeping in a larger space, a queen size weighted blanket is the most practical choice.
Here is a simple size guide:
- Weight: Choose a blanket that is roughly 10% of the user's body weight
- Dimensions: A queen size weighted blanket typically measures around 150 x 200 cm — ideal for adults sleeping alone or with a partner
- Fill: Glass bead filling is preferred — quieter, heavier, and more evenly distributed than plastic pellets
Gravity Blankets offers a queen size weighted blanket designed with even weight distribution and a breathable outer cover — built specifically for consistent, comfortable pressure throughout the night.
Who Is a Weighted Blanket For?
A weighted blanket for depression is suitable for:
- Adults experiencing mild to moderate depression or anxiety
- People with insomnia related to stress or emotional fatigue
- Adults with sensory sensitivities (such as those with autism spectrum disorder)
- Anyone who struggles to wind down at bedtime
Who Should Avoid Using a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided by:
- Children under 2 years old — risk of suffocation
- People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or sleep apnea
- Those with claustrophobia
- People with circulatory problems or low blood pressure
- Anyone recovering from recent surgery — always consult a doctor first
Source: Healthline — Weighted Blanket Safety
Is It Safe? What About Lab Testing and Legal Standards?
Yes — when used correctly by eligible adults, a queen size weighted blanket is considered safe.
- Legal status: Weighted blankets are not classified as medical devices in the EU. They are lifestyle and wellness products.
- Age limit: Not recommended for children under 2. For children aged 2–12, adult supervision is advised.
- Lab testing: Quality blankets like those from Gravity Blankets are tested for material safety, even weight fill, and fabric durability.
- Safe use: Use only as a top blanket — never wrap it around the body. Do not use if the person cannot remove it on their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
⬜ Quick Summary — Key Takeaways
- A weighted blanket for depression uses Deep Pressure Stimulation to calm the nervous system and improve sleep
- It may boost serotonin and melatonin while reducing cortisol
- A queen size weighted blanket is ideal for most adults — choose one around 10% of body weight
- Gravity Blankets offers lab-tested, breathable, evenly weighted options
- Not suitable for children under 2, or adults with respiratory, circulatory, or claustrophobia concerns
- It is a wellness tool — not a replacement for professional mental health treatment
- Safe use means wearing it as a top blanket only, and only if the user can remove it independently
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Comfort and Care
Sleep is not a luxury — it is a foundation for mental health. As awareness around depression and sleep disorders continues to grow, so does the need for accessible, evidence-informed tools that genuinely help.
Gravity Blankets sits at the forefront of this shift. The brand's commitment goes beyond selling a product. It is about understanding what people with depression actually need at night: something steady, something safe, and something that simply makes rest feel possible again.
The science behind the weighted blanket for depression is still evolving — and Gravity Blankets evolves with it. From fill material to cover fabric to sizing options including the queen size weighted blanket, every decision is guided by real customer needs and ongoing research.
The path to better sleep is personal. Gravity Blankets believes that everyone deserves the chance to find it — one calm, pressure-held night at a time. Explore the full range at gravity-deken.nl.
Sources:
NIH — Deep Pressure Stimulation and Sleep: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Sleep Foundation — Sleep and Depression: sleepfoundation.org
Healthline — Weighted Blanket Safety: healthline.com