Best Weighted Blanket for ADHD: What Actually Works
✅ Quick Answer Summary
The best weighted blanket for ADHD is one that offers deep, even pressure to calm the nervous system — without overwhelming the senses. Look for one that’s made from 100% cotton, filled with glass beads (not plastic), and weighs around 10–12% of your body weight. Sensory-safe, breathable design is key.
😵💫 Can’t switch off? Can’t fall asleep? Can’t cope?
If your brain never slows down — not even at night — you’re not alone.
For adults with ADHD, sleep isn’t just hard. It feels impossible.
And when you’re sleep-deprived, everything else gets worse: your focus, your emotions, your energy.
That’s why more and more people with ADHD are turning to weighted blankets — not just for sleep, but for survival.
Let’s break down how they work, what to look for, and why the right one can make all the difference.
🧠 How Weighted Blankets Help ADHD
Weighted blankets apply Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) — a science-backed technique that helps regulate the nervous system.
Here’s what that means for ADHD brains:
- Slows a racing mind
- Calms the body’s fight-or-flight response
- Releases feel-good neurotransmitters (like serotonin + dopamine)
- Grounds sensory overload
- Encourages stillness and safety
It’s like being wrapped in a hug — one that tells your brain: You’re safe now. You can rest.
🧺 What to Look For in a Weighted Blanket (for ADHD + Anxiety)
Not all blankets are created equal. Some feel suffocating. Some fall apart.
Here’s what actually matters for ADHD brains:
✅ 100% cotton (not polyester — too hot + too scratchy)
✅ Filled with glass beads (not plastic pellets)
✅ Weight: around 10–12% of your body weight
✅ Loops for attaching to a duvet cover
✅ Even weight distribution (no lumpy pockets)
✅ Neutral colours or soft tones (visually calming)
✅ OEKO-TEX® certified (no harmful chemicals)
🧡 That’s exactly why we made Over-whelmed's blanket the way we did.
Sensory-safe. Breathable. Anxiety-aware.
💤 What It Feels Like to Use One (My Experience)
I didn’t expect it to help.
But the first time I used a weighted blanket, I noticed something strange…
I stopped fidgeting. My jaw unclenched. My chest loosened.
It didn’t knock me out instantly — but for the first time in months, I fell asleep without fighting my own brain.
Now, I don’t just use it for sleep.
I use it when I’m spiralling. When I need to reset.
It’s not a magic fix — but it helps me feel more in control.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
🟥 Too heavy → Feels restrictive, triggers discomfort
🟥 Too hot → Traps heat, causes sensory overload
🟥 Plastic beads → Uneven feel, noisy, clumpy
🟥 Wrong size → Bunches up or doesn’t cover you
🟥 Poor stitching → Beads leak or shift over time
What to do instead?
Choose a breathable, well-made blanket with glass bead filling and cotton fabric. One that’s been built for people like you — not mass-produced for trends.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are weighted blankets good for ADHD?
Yes — they’re one of the most effective non-medication tools for managing ADHD-related anxiety, restlessness, and sleep issues. Just make sure to choose a high-quality, sensory-safe one.
Q: How heavy should a blanket be for ADHD?
Aim for 10–12% of your body weight. So if you weigh 70kg, a 6–8kg blanket is ideal.
Q: Can I use it during the day?
Absolutely. Use it while reading, working from home, or anytime you need to calm down or regulate overstimulation.
🛒 Calm Starts Here
If you’ve made it this far… maybe your brain is quietly asking for help.
That’s exactly why we made Over-whelmed — a weighted blanket designed for people with ADHD and anxiety, not just for sleep, but for those moments when everything gets too much.
It’s cotton-soft, science-backed, and made with real people in mind.
→ Try it for yourself. Your nervous system will thank you.
🧩 Bonus Tip: Stack Your Tools
Want to get even more out of your blanket? Try pairing it with:
- 20 minutes of no-screen time
- Soft instrumental music or white noise
- A warm (not hot) shower
- Dim lighting
- Optional: lavender pillow spray
It’s not about one fix — it’s about creating calm layers.