Chances are you've heard a lot about gravity blankets, but you may feel confused as you don't know exactly what they do and in what situations you can use them.

Can a gravity blanket really help you relax and sleep better?

The short answer is yes. (spoiler)

In this article, we will answer the question, "What are gravity blankets used for?", explain how they work, and examine the research supporting their beneficial benefits.

Gravity blankets: What are they and how do they work?

To start with the obvious, gravity blankets are heavy blankets—significantly heavier than most regular blankets and comforters on the market. Their weight ranges from 3 to 14 pounds, and is due to the very fine glass beads stored inside them.

Many people find that the steady, sustained pressure from a gravity blanket—known as Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation —brings them a sense of calm and contentment. And science backs this up, as studies show that Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation helps neutralize physiological markers of stress (increased breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) by signaling your nervous system to slow down, promoting a state of relaxation.

In what cases are gravity blankets used?

So, what are gravity blankets good for? As it turns out, their benefits are huge. From stress relief to pain management, here are some of the many uses of a gravity blanket.

Anxiety/stress

Due to their deeply calming effects, gravity blankets are recommended by the medical community as a complementary tool for people suffering from exhaustion, stress and anxiety disorders. Their gentle pressure on the body makes you feel as if you are being hugged, providing a sense of comfort and security, while also activating the release of “happy hormones” such as serotonin and dopamine.

Tip: Laughter is a surprisingly effective stress reliever. When you feel anxiety getting the better of you, try watching a comedy while snuggled up under a weighted blanket.

Insomnia

Suffering from insomnia? A weighted blanket could be the secret to better sleep. In a controlled study, researchers concluded that weighted blankets are a safe and effective treatment for insomnia . The pressure of a weighted blanket is believed to stimulate the production of the sleep hormone (melatonin) while also reducing the main stress hormone (cortisol), helping you sleep deeper and more uninterrupted.

Autism spectrum disorders

Before becoming a key tool for combating anxiety and sleep problems, gravity blankets were originally used on children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Individuals with autism often experience sensory overload, causing them extreme discomfort, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Occupational therapists often recommend gravity blankets for autistic children, citing their ability to de-escalate meltdowns and promote better sleep through Deep Tactile Pressure.

[Read: Gravity Blankets and Autism: Everything You Need to Know ]

ADHD

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't the easiest thing in the world. People with ADHD often find the world overwhelming and may have difficulty concentrating, staying focused on their work, and sitting still. Not surprisingly, it's not uncommon for people with ADHD to also experience sleep problems and anxiety.

Gravity blankets are believed to be beneficial for ADHD because they can help calm the nervous system and focus the mind, improving concentration while also reducing anxiety and insomnia. While research on this topic is currently limited, one study has shown that gravity blankets can improve sleep quality and overall well-being in children with ADHD .

[Read: Sleep and ADHD: How does a gravity blanket help? ]

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and images, nightmares, and other distressing symptoms that can stem from a traumatic event. Gravity blankets, while not a first-line treatment for PTSD, can be extremely beneficial for adults living with PTSD as they offer an immediate "source" of comfort and security and can help them through intense episodes.

Chronic pain

If you live with fibromyalgia , arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or another condition that causes chronic pain, then you might want to try a gravity blanket. In a randomized controlled trial , researchers observed that gravity blankets produced greater reductions in the perception of chronic pain, especially in people with high levels of stress.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

The symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome can range from annoying to unbearable. Those who suffer from RLS, when they lie down to sleep, feel their legs as if they are being "shocked" by an electric current, especially at the point when they are relaxed and almost asleep.

While gravity blankets may not cure the symptoms of PCOS, many people choose them because the pressure they put on their legs acts as a distraction and helps them take their attention away from the uncomfortable sensation in their legs. The gravity blanket also reduces leg shaking.

Choosing the right gravity blanket

Gravity blankets can be a useful tool to help you unwind after a hard day and help you enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. Before choosing your own gravity blanket , make sure it’s not too heavy or too warm for your needs. Choose a blanket that weighs about 10% of your body weight, and if you tend to sweat in your sleep (even in winter), check out the cool Gravity Ice gravity blanket. It features a thermoregulating fabric that wicks away moisture while remaining cool to the touch, keeping you dry and comfortable all night long.