---
title: "Safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for symptom…"
description: "Weighted blankets appear to be a safe and potentially effective complementary treatment for anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fatigue in people with…"
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39447684.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39447684.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d39447684.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d39447684"
journal: "Complement Ther Med"
year: 2024
pmid: "39447684"
doi: "10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103104"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for symptom management in mental disorders: a meta-analysis

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Complement Ther Med |
| Year | 2024 |
| PMID | [39447684](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39447684/) |
| DOI | [10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103104](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103104) |
| Study key | d39447684 |

## Takeaway

Weighted blankets appear to be a safe and potentially effective complementary treatment for anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fatigue in people with mental disorders, but more robust research is needed.

## The question

What is the safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for symptom management in patients with mental disorders?

## Hypothesis

The study aimed to systematically evaluate and synthesize existing data on the safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for symptom management among patients with mental disorders.

## Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across bibliographic databases, grey literature, and clinical trial registries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing weighted blankets to control conditions in patients with mental disorders. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the RoB 2 tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses where appropriate.

## Results

Eight studies involving 426 patients were included. Half of the studies had a high risk of bias due to unblinded participants for self-reported measures. No serious adverse events were reported. Meta-analysis of five studies showed a small decrease in anxiety (SMD = 0.40). The pooled estimate of three studies for insomnia was non-significant (MD = -1.92, 95% CI = -3.92-0.09, p = 0.06), but a sensitivity analysis of two homogeneous studies revealed reduced insomnia severity (MD = -2.78, 95% CI = -4.44 to -1.12, p = 0.001). Primary studies also reported positive effects on fatigue and depression, though summary estimates were not computed due to heterogeneity.

## Conclusion

Weighted blankets may be a safe and effective add-on treatment for managing anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fatigue in psychiatric patients. However, these findings require further confirmation due to the limited number of studies, small sample sizes, and significant heterogeneity.

## Limitations

The review included a limited number of studies with small sample sizes and significant heterogeneity. Half of the included studies had a high risk of bias, mainly due to the inability to blind participants for self-reported outcomes.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> patients who used weighted blankets had reduced insomnia severity index scores

## Effect of Weighted Blankets on Anxiety and Insomnia

| Measure | Effect Size |
| --- | --- |
| Anxiety (SMD) | 0.4 |
| Insomnia (MD) | -1.92 |
| Insomnia (MD, sensitivity analysis) | -2.78 |

*Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for anxiety and Mean Difference (MD) for insomnia, showing a small decrease in anxiety and a reduction in insomnia severity in a sensitivity analysis.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weighted Sleep Blanket Pro | Moderate evidence | [Weighted Sleep Blanket Pro](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/177.md) |

## Reference

1. **Safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for symptom management in mental disorders: a meta-analysis**
   Complement Ther Med 2024 · [PMID 39447684](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39447684/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103104](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103104)

   > patients who used weighted blankets had reduced insomnia severity index scores

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Weighted Sleep Blanket Pro](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/177.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).