Some people compare using a weighted blanket to a hug, while others find them restrictive in bed. But new research from Australia says weighted blankets are effective at improving sleep in adults with insomnia and mental conditions like anxiety and depression.

The study from Flinders University showed the blankets were also able to help reduce the dependence on sleep medication and enhance mood for adults. The results for children in the study were mixed, however.

"Sleep is a basic human need and when someone isn't getting enough, it can lead to numerous health issues as well as increase the risk of, or exacerbate, chronic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues," says Dr. Dawson, from Flinders University's Caring Futures Institute. "In occupational therapy, weighted blankets are becoming more common among many ages as an assistive technology, but no current clinical guidelines exist for their use."

Researchers reviewed data from 18 different existing studies regarding the use of weighted blankets to develop their conclusions and published their findings in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

"Weighted blankets seem to offer a tangible, non-drug intervention for improving sleep quality," Dawson said. "Adults who used the blankets reported better sleep, reduced use of sleep medications, and even improvements in mood and pain management."

The promising results for adults did not translate to the children from the studies. They showed limited sleep improvements for kids with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. But some parents reported positive outcomes and improved daily functioning after their child started using a weighted blanket.

"Parents often reported that their children appeared more relaxed, less anxious, and more focused during daily activities when using the blankets, which could have a long-term impact on their overall well-being," Dawson said.

He agreed more work needed to be done in order to better understand how to make recommendations from a clinical perspective.

"Blankets come in various types, from containing beads or chains, and various weights, but as yet no standardized recommendations exist, including type, weight, frequency of use, or duration" Dawson added. "While more rigorous research is needed to find their optimal use, use of weighted blankets should be further explored in practice."

Click here to read more in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.