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Associated Press

Rhonda James was sceptical when her husband ordered a weighted blanket for her online. But five minutes after she wrapped it around her body, she passed out.
“It felt like a really big hug,” said James, a banker in Charleston, in the US state of South Carolina.
As outside temperatures grow chilly, even in Hong Kong, weighted blankets can be a popular choice to warm up. Some people say the added pressure helps them soothe the worries of the day and get to sleep faster.
But research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets is limited. Here is what to know.

What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets come with extra heft in the form of glass beads, pellets, cotton or another filling. Scientists have not studied exactly how the blankets work, but they have a few ideas.
The blankets’ firm touch may calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response, said Dr Neal Walia, a sleep medicine expert at UCLA Health in Los Angeles, in the US state of California.
“The evenly distributed weight on you tells your body, ‘Hey, you’re in a calm environment,’” he said.
The extra pressure also may signal the brain to release what is called the love hormone, also known as oxytocin. It is produced during bonding and cuddling, and can also lower anxiety, Walia said.
How do I use a weighted blanket?
For most healthy adults, experts say to choose a blanket that is about 10 per cent of their body weight. So a 68-kilogram (150-pound) person may opt for a 7kg blanket.

Weighted blankets are not recommended for babies or toddlers since they can hinder movement and breathing.
People with sleep apnoea, other sleep-related disorders or respiratory problems should check with a doctor before using a weighted blanket.
The blankets are not for everyone, and each person gets the best out of their blanket differently. For example, some may find them too hot to use during warmer months.
And the extra swaddling comes at a cost: weighted blankets can range in price from US$50 to over US$300 depending on the size, weight and material.
Those with time and sufficient sewing skills could opt to make their own. The non-profit Sleep Foundation gives pointers online.
James takes hers out of the wardrobe to unwind when she is watching television or sipping a glass of wine.
Lucy Taylor, a freelance writer from Wales, uses her blanket to fall asleep when her anxiety spikes during the winter.
“If my body’s relaxed, my mind follows suit,” she said.

Can weighted blankets improve sleep?
There is not a lot of research on whether weighted blankets actually work, and the studies that do exist are on small groups. Most studies do not focus on the average sleeper. Instead, they investigate whether weighted blankets can help people with chronic sleep problems, mental health conditions or developmental disorders.
There are some hints that weighted blankets can help with anxiety, chronic pain and sleep. But the research is not conclusive.
A study of 120 people with insomnia found that the weighted blankets helped them sleep better compared to a light blanket. Another study of 67 children with autism found the weighted blanket did not affect their sleep at all – but the children and their parents preferred it to a regular blanket.
And a third study, of 94 adults with chronic pain, found that a heavier weighted blanket did not affect sleep but was better at reducing pain compared to a lighter one.
Even though there is not yet strong evidence to back up the benefits of weighted blankets, sleep experts say there is no harm in giving them a try if you are willing to splurge on one.
Dr Daniel Barone, a sleep medicine expert at Weill Cornell Medicine, suggests it to his patients after other traditional therapies and medicines.
“If it does not hurt and it may help, it’s worth a shot,” he said.












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‘Cooler’ weighted blankets in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, some suppliers offer cooler versions of weighted blankets more suited to the local climate, with trial periods for refunds in case they do not meet expectations.
The Dormu Cooler Weighted Blanket is available to order online. A single size, 122cm by 183cm (48-inch by 72-inch) bamboo blanket with glass beads weighing 7kg costs HK$1,350 (US$170) – with a 25 per cent discount over the holidays – and comes with a 60-night trial.
Bamboo helps wick away moisture and draw heat away from the body.
Retailer Hush Home carries The Weighted Blanket brand. A single size, 150cm by 200cm, blanket that could cover one or two people weighs 7kg and is also made with glass beads and bamboo. It costs HK$1,280 and comes with a 30-night trial.
Additional reporting by Staff Reporter
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Heavy covers that feel ‘like a really big hug’ can soothe anxieties, sleep medicine doctor says; we tell you where to find them in Hong Kong


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Explainer | Why weighted blankets may help you sleep better. What to know and where to find one

Heavy covers that feel ‘like a really big hug’ can soothe anxieties, sleep medicine doctor says; we tell you where to find them in Hong Kong

What is a weighted blanket?