Science and research

Groundd weighted blankets are weighted with hypoallergenic natural glass sand. The glass sand is held silently in place in microfiber pockets stitched throughout the blanket to ensure they are secure and that the weight is distributed evenly. 

Laying under evenly distributed weight is incredibly comforting. It is similar to the calming sensation of an embracing hug, being swaddled, or a protective cocoon.  The soothing pressure signals to your body that you are safe, it puts your mind at ease and promotes deep restful sleep. 

Groundd weighted blankets are constructed with high quality natural materials that feel soft and light on your skin to ensure the heavy blanket is as cool and breathable as possible. 

Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) is a tactile sensory input from any form of pressure exerted equally across the body, such as a hug, swaddle, or in this case, a weighted blanket. Receptors in your skin detect this grounding pressure and send a signal to your brain that you are in a stable safe environment. Your brain then releases serotonin & melatonin (feel-good relaxation neurotransmitters) while cortisol (stress & fight or flight hormone) is inhibited. This calming effect eases tension in our mind and allows us to fall asleep and remain asleep. 

The science behind weighted blankets and improved sleep is supported by peer reviewed research, here are a few of the research articles we've found most informative:

The Biological Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep.

Physiological Effects of Deep Touch Pressure on Anxiety Alleviation: The Weighted Blanket Approach.

Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket.

Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia.

Asides from Insomnia, weighted blankets have been found to be highly effective in managing symton of a wide range of conditions. 

Anxiety - DTP has been shown to produce a calming, soothing effect that reduces anxiety. In studies, researchers have observed that weighted blanket therapy lowers blood pressure, reduces pulse rates and helps 63 percent of study participants feel less anxious.

ADHD - deep touch pressure also helps with mood and sleep, so weighted blankets are also great for addressing those symptoms in ADHD sufferers.

Restless Leg Syndrome - Weighted Blankets have been found to be effective for reducing the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome by constantly applying pressure on patients legs.

Fibromyalgia Pain - For some patients, the gentle but firm pressure of a weighted blanket is an important tool for preventing fibro flare-ups.

PTSD - Weighted blanked have been found to be effective in treating PTSD by reducing the symptons of insomnia and anxiety caused by the condition. 

OCD - OCD has been linked to low serotonin levels. By using deep touch pressure stimulation therapy, weighted blankets may help boost serotonin and ease the severity of OCD.   

Autism - According to Harvard researchers, “one therapy that has mounting evidence of support is massage or touch therapy.” In studies, autism patients responded most favorably to gentler, slower touch. Additionally, researchers found: “Touch therapy has been noted to have immediate and long-term effects on the body’s biochemistry, including decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and increased levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which play roles in mood regulation, movement, impulse control, and more.”   

Sensory Processing disorder: Weighted blanket can help patients manage a possible symptom of sensory processing disorder of being oversensitive to things in their environment.