Do you have trouble sleeping? You might not even realize that you aren’t getting as much sleep as you should. According to data from Fitbit users, many adults wake up 9 times every night. That’s a lot.

Especially if you’re having trouble sleeping due to anxiety or a lot of stress, you might want to consider trying out a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are often used for children who have autism and ADHD, but they’re also showing promising results for adults who have trouble relaxing at night.

Why do weighted blankets work?

The weight from the blanket has two positive effects. First, if you’re someone who’s likely to toss and turn at night, the weight prevents you from tossing and turning so much. In turn, your mind may not toss and turn as much either.

Second, the weight from the blanket is comforting, like a full body hug. A study back in 2006 showed that 63% of adults who slept with a weighted blanket had lower anxiety and 78% said they felt calmer.

Irina Zhdanova, MD, PhD, CEO of ClockCoach, says, “Being hugged is a very powerful stimulus. When you’re hugged, you feel more secure.”

Weighted blankets come in different weights, and the right one for you depends on how much you weigh. In general, you should buy a blanket that is about 10% of your body weight. So, if you weigh about 120 pounds, a 12-pound blanket would be perfect.

If you snore or have sleep apnea, don’t purchase a weighted blanket for yourself. Both of these issues can only be made worse by added weight on your chest. You can still buy one as a gift for a friend though.

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you going to buy a weighted blanket?