In the crossroad between science and industry walks the weighted blanket – claimed by some as a revolutionary tool for stress and anxiety relief. Tipping the scale between 5 and 30 pounds, these so-called gravity blankets have broken out of their therapeutic niche to invade our bedrooms, promising better sleep and relaxed bodies.

Specifically designed to simulate a gentle squeeze while you sleep, the blankets vary in their construction. Some inherit the traditional style, laced with plastic pellets or glass beads to give them their heft, while others utilize alternative fabrics. But do these blankets really work for everyone or is their fame a result of well-executed advertising with a pinch of public gullibility?

Unfortunately, the jury is still out on this one. While some studies, such as an American Psychological Association (APA) survey, suggest that using these blankets can potentially ease stress and anxiety, it's not entirely clear if that's true for everyone. Truth be told, severe symptoms of anxiety or stress can indicate an underlying health issue that is unlikely to be resolved with a weighted blanket alone.

There is suggestive evidence that weighted blankets may relieve anxiety in people diagnosed with certain issues. For instance, they might improve symptoms in trauma patients or potentially boost the amount of melatonin - a sleep-regulating hormone- in your body. They may also soothe individuals diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or those struggling with sensory processing disorders.

And yet, meta-analyses and systematic literature reviews on the topic frequently come up with ambiguous conclusions. One such study found that there wasn't enough evidence to suggest they reduce insomnia and reliably improve sleep, while another questioned their effectiveness for children dealing with sensory processing difficulties.

It's not all bleak though! Preliminary findings from small-scale studies suggest that weighted blankets could potentially help alleviate chronic pain and high levels of anxiety associated with receiving medical procedures like dental care or chemotherapy.

Despite the currently inconclusive verdict regarding the miraculous claims surrounding weighted blankets, they continue to gain popularity. If you decide to hop on the weighted blanket bandwagon, remember that it should weigh around 10% of your body weight and to consult with your healthcare provider beforehand.

The ball is in your court. Will you succumb to the weighted blanket wave or keep seeking your comfort elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!