Table of Contents
Weighted Blankets and High Blood Pressure
Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular, but there is still a lot of misinformation out there about them.
One common question I get asked is whether or not weighted blankets can cause high blood pressure.
The short answer is no, weighted blankets cannot cause high blood pressure. However, if you already have high blood pressure, you should read this blog post there are some side effects and risks of weighted blankets.
Table of Contents
Can weighted blankets cause high blood pressure?
Research suggests that weighted blankets may lower blood pressure in some people
Research suggests that weighted blankets can have a calming and anxiety-reducing effect that can help lower blood pressure levels. Studies have found that participants who opted for weighted blankets showed a decrease in their blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pulse rates after only five minutes (Reynolds et al., 2015). They also reported feeling calmer and no longer feeling restless. Additionally, some of them showed signs of lower anxiety levels.
Hjort Telhede E, Arvidsson S, Karlsson S. Nursing staff’s experiences of how weighted blankets influence resident’s in nursing homes expressions of health. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2022 Dec;17(1):2009203. doi: 10.1080/17482631.2021.2009203. PMID: 34904541; PMCID: PMC8740773.
While this study does not prove that weighted blankets can effectively treat high blood pressure in the long-term, some believe that continued use of a weighted blanket could help with high blood pressure issues. Furthermore, reducing anxiety can help to reduce short-term spikes in blood pressure, and avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking can also help to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Can Weighted Blankets Cause Hypertension in Sensitive People?
No, weighted blankets are not capable of causing high blood pressure in sensitive people. Studies have indicated that weighted blankets can actually reduce the risk of developing health conditions related to high blood pressure, such as stress. Participants in the study reported feeling calmer.
People with preexisting conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, low blood pressure, should consult a healthcare professional before using a weighted blanket, as the heaviness of the blanket may worsen breathing difficulties or restrict circulation.
However, for healthy adults, weighted blankets are generally considered safe.
Weighted Blankets May Be Dangerous for Some People
Weighted blankets can be beneficial for some people, but there is a possibility that they could cause high blood pressure in some people. It is important to note that weighted blankets can be dangerous, especially for children, and therefore should not be used for infants. In addition, weighted blankets may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, sleep apnea, asthma, low blood pressure, epilepsy, and claustrophobia.
Weighted blankets can be beneficial in terms of providing comfort, but they may also increase the risk of high blood pressure in certain individuals.
How to choose a safe blanket if you have high blood pressure?
Step 1: Choose a blanket that is not too heavy. Generally, a blanket that is 10% of your body weight is recommended. If you weigh 150 pounds, then select a 15-pound blanket. If you weigh closer to 200 pounds, then choose a 20-pound blanket. Be sure to consider the materials used in the blanket, too. The Weighted Blanket Calculator follows best practices for choosing the right weight for a weighted blanket.
Step 2: Make sure the blanket is not too big. The weighted blanket should cover your entire body, but should not be oversized. If you plan to sleep under it, ensure that the blanket does not hang over the sides of the bed, as its weight can cause it to slide off during the night.

Step 3: Choose a washable blanket if necessary. Most blankets weighing more than 10 pounds require a commercial washing machine. Thus, if you need a washable blanket, then select one that has a removable cover.
Step 4: Select a breathable material. For those concerned about temperature, choose a blanket made from breathable materials, such as cotton and wool. Open-knit patterns that allow more room for airflow can also prevent heat from becoming trapped throughout the night.
Step 5: Consult with your doctor. Before using a weighted blanket, always consult with a doctor first to consider whether it will be appropriate for your personal use.
Can weighted blankets cause high blood pressure
No, weighted blankets are not capable of causing high blood pressure. Recent studies have indicated that participants who opt for weighted blankets show a decrease in their blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pulse rates. Patients also reported feeling calmer and more relaxed.
Additionally, using a weighted blanket may reduce the risk of developing health conditions associated with high blood pressure such as stress.
Furthermore, the use of weighted blankets may also help to reduce anxiety levels, as anxiety is a leading cause of high blood pressure.
Finally, the use of weighted blankets can help to regulate the involuntary nervous systems, thus helping to maintain healthy functioning of the body. All of this evidence strongly suggests that weighted blankets are not capable of causing high blood pressure.
Do weighted blankets lower blood pressure?
The scientific evidence is currently inconclusive as to whether weighted blankets can directly lower blood pressure. However, it has been suggested that weighted blankets can have an indirect effect on reducing blood pressure.
One study suggested that participants who opted for weighted blankets showed a decrease in their blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pulse rates. This could be because weighted blankets can reduce stress and anxiety, two of the leading causes of high blood pressure.
Additionally, reducing anxiety can help individuals break unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and overeating, which can all contribute to the cause of high blood pressure. Therefore, although the exact effects of weighted blankets on blood pressure have yet to be researched, it is possible that their use could have a positive impact on reducing blood pressure.
Do weighted blankets affect blood pressure?
Weighted blankets can have a positive effect on blood pressure. Studies have shown that people who use weighted blankets demonstrate a decrease in blood pressure. While no long-term studies have been conducted to prove this, it is believed that the continued use of a weighted blanket could positively impact those with high blood pressure. Read our guide on how to use a weighted blanket correctly!
The stress and anxiety reduction that can be experienced with the use of a weighted blanket could also help lower blood pressure. Anxiety is a leading cause of high blood pressure, and regular use of a weighted blanket could help reduce stress and anxiety and therefore help to lower blood pressure.
Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and binge eating, which are often used to cope with anxiety and stress, can have a direct effect on blood pressure. Therefore, decreasing anxiety with the use of a weighted blanket can reduce the likelihood of these behaviors, which in turn can help to lower blood pressure.
FAQs
What are the risks associated with using a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets should not be used for toddlers under 2 years old, as it may increase the risk of suffocation. People with chronic respiratory or circulatory issues may need to take extra precautions before using a weighted blanket and should speak to their doctor. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) sufferers should avoid using weighted blankets, because the weight of a heavy blanket may restrict airflow.
Are there any special precautions to take when using a weighted blanket?
Yes. When using a weighted blanket, there are some special precautions to take. It is generally considered safe, however, some sleepers should take extra precautions and speak to their doctor before using a weighted blanket. If children use weighted blankets, they should only be under adult supervision and with a healthcare provider’s approval.
Are there any age restrictions for using a weighted blanket?
Yes, there are age restrictions for using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets should not be used for toddlers under 2 years old, as it may increase the risk of suffocation. Older children between 2 and 4 years of age may be able to use a weighted blanket safely, but some precautions are necessary. It is also important to avoid giving weighted blankets to children under 50 pounds.
Seniors should make sure they are strong enough to move the blanket off themselves without help.
- Traditional Greek Throws for Deep Pressure Therapy - February 9, 2025
- Ethiopian Cotton Blankets for Deep Pressure Support - February 9, 2025
- Indigenous Earth Oven Techniques for Deep Relaxation - February 9, 2025