Weighted blankets are heavy blankets that are used to help reduce anxiety and aid sleep. Used as therapeutic tools, the blankets originally assisted individuals with autism spectrum disorders, dementia, and mental health conditions. However, upon recognizing their therapeutic benefits, they have become popular products on the market. Weighted blankets function similarly to an OT technique known as deep touch pressure therapy (DTP) where the pressure on the body increases the release of serotonin – the “happy” chemical – creating a sense of calm and well-being. How heavy should a weighted blanket be? Generally, the guideline for a weighted blanket is that it should be approximately 10% of your body weight for adults. That being said, the most common weights on the market are between 12-20 lbs. Of course, this means that for children between 70-90 lbs., the weighted blanket should only be 5 lbs. Although a good night’s sleep awaits under a weighted blanket, you should consult the guidelines and do your adequate research as having a blanket that’s too heavy can cause harm instead.