Occupational therapists have used weighted blankets since the 1970s to help children with autism and adults with sensory processing disorders. The concept behind weighted blankets is appealingly simple. While weighted blankets may help people with clinical anxiety or sleep disorders, there’s insufficient evidence that they benefit casual users without existing mental health conditions. As a low-risk intervention that might complement good sleep hygiene and regular sleep cycles, weighted blankets aren’t inherently problematic. The real question isn’t whether weighted blankets work, but whether they work for you, and whether the premium price is justified for what might ultimately be an expensive hug.