What's So Great About Gravity Blanket? We Went Undercover to Find Out.

At first glance, a weighted blanket might not seem like anything special, and, honestly, the concept itself is pretty simple. It’s a heavy blanket.

But pull back the covers, and the purpose of the product becomes incredibly layered, and the story of its emergence as a wellness solution paints a complex picture of the social, professional, and personal expectations we harbor and inhabit each day.

At its core, the Gravity Blanket is all about pressure; the pressures we put on ourselves, the pressure we feel from the world around us, and the physical manifestation of those stressors as they impact our ability to rest and recover in the ways our bodies need. It may seem counterintuitive to add a weighted blanket on top of mental or physical strain; however, the Gravity Blanket is backed by multiple studies that illustrate the soothing, calming effects of full-body compression, Deep Touch Pressure therapy (DTP), as well as its positive effects on sleep and muscle recovery.

As someone who struggles with anxiety (and therefore sleep), I decided to give Gravity Blanket a shot. As someone who’s no stranger to “needing to chill out,” and since I prefer to sleep cooler, I opted for Gravity’s Cooling Blanket — so I could enjoy a good night’s rest, no sweat.

*Please note that this review reflects my personal experience and should not be used to supplement medical advice or expertise

Weighted blankets are a common therapeutic option for those with severe anxiety, PTSD, autism, and other behavioral or mental disorders, but until Gravity, they weren’t easily accessible, nor were they designed for regular, in-home use. Since its successful launch in 2017, Gravity has become helpful resource, delivering welcome relief to those suffering from chronic anxiety, depression, and insomnia — while providing a simple, effective way for people to manage their physical and mental health and reduce stress with a sound night’s sleep.

Gravity’s blankets and masks leverage Deep-Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTP), which is known to induce a soothing physiological reaction. With stress and insomnia being culprits for ailments like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, Gravity is a game-changer, providing accessible, affordable, and lasting relief — by taking the heavy lifting out of your hands and off your mind.

Surprise — It’s time for a full-body workout.

Having selected Gravity‘s queen/ king-sized Cooling Blanket, once it arrived, I suspected that moving it would require some small amount of strength. However, while 35 lbs is normally a simple lift for me, 35 lbs in the form of a compressed comforter brick proved to be a much bulkier, more difficult haul.

The handles on the packaging provide a decent place to grip — which is helpful, but after moving the blanket up a few flights of stairs and onto the bed, I was definitely ready to try it out.

While I do feel this product offers real benefits when it comes to mental health, recovery, and physical wellness, it’s important to note that a weighted blanket naturally comes with a bit of an adjustment period. And while that makes sense in retrospect, I wish I’d had a better idea of what to expect — and what to avoid.

My first night using the Gravity Blanket wasn’t exactly the dream-filled snooze-fest that I’d hoped it would be. Instead, I was met with quite a bit of trial-and-error, frequent adjustments, and not much sleep. I chalk it up to a learning experience.

Now, having fully acclimated to the Gravity Cooling Blanket, I genuinely enjoy and appreciate its effective design — as well as the positive impact on my sleep, recovery, and overall health.

Here are a few pro tips from that first night to give you a strong start towards a better night’s sleep, straight out of the box.

I naturally prefer the comfort and security of added compression for sleep. Normally, I curl up beneath a sheet and a cotton comforter, situated somewhere among a slightly concerning (definitely unnecessary) amount of pillows, occasionally topped with a soft, decorative throw.

So, before switching to my Gravity Blanket, rather than using a single heavy layer, I would create the effect of a weighted blanket by wrapping myself in a well-formed blanket burrito. Since I was used to sleeping beneath both a comforter and an underlying sheet, I figured that, when I tried the Cooling Blanket, I’d be able to do the same.

My first night using the Gravity Blanket quickly revealed that this multi-layered technique was absolutely the wrong way to go. The lesson?

Do NOT use a sheet beneath a weighted blanket.

It may not seem like a big deal, but using a secondary sheet beneath the Cooling Blanket completely counters the comforter’s signature cooling effect. The sheet stifles the blanket’s breathability and traps body heat, while the weight of the blanket itself intensifies and retains that warmth. Basically, it feels like you’re stuck in a toaster. So, ditch the extra sheets, lose the layers, and let the Cooling Blanket breathe.

When it comes to promoting deeper sleep, Gravity Blanket means business. The blanket’s evenly-dispersed weight holds your body firmly in place while comfortably conforming to your preferred sleep style. This gently discourages active sleepers, and gradually eliminates the urge to toss and turn.

However, this also means that small adjustments are more difficult as well, so be aware that bundling up, changing positions, and adjusting the blanket will likely require more force than you’re used to.

Okay, so, here’s the thing. One outcome that I hadn’t considered was the Cooling Blanket‘s profound effectiveness — on my husband. While I’ve since experienced deeper, more restful sleep, anxiety relief, and more energy in the mornings, initially, I had to adjust to the abundant, joyful chorus of snores and sleep-talk from the strange and wonderful man who occupies the other side of my mattress. Fast asleep and content, and

Thankfully, the intensity and frequency of this reaction gradually decreased as we both adjusted to the Gravity Blanket and grew accustomed to consistently better sleep. But, for those of you who share a bed, be prepared for some REM rage — because both of you are about to catch some serious zzz’s.

The Claim: Reduces Stress & Anxiety

The Verdict: Yes

Gravity‘s weighted blanket is comfortable and definitely calming. I’ve noticed that the compression-therapy qualities of the Cooling Blanket encourage relaxation, allowing me to fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night (that’s a pretty big deal for me). Because of this, I wake up feeling more rested, more focused, and more energized.

Even on days when my anxiety is at its worst, the Gravity Blanket is a source of comfort, stress-relief, and security. The pressure it provides is soothing, falling somewhere between a cuddle and a hug on the personal contact scale.

The Claim: Improves Sleep Quality

The Verdict: Yes

Once you’ve grown accustomed to using Gravity‘s weighted blankets, the benefits are absolutely clear. Backed by scientific studies and thorough testing, Gravity Blanket definitely delivers when it comes to better sleep and enhanced physical and mental recovery.

The Claim: Looks & Feels Great

The Verdict: Yes

From its stylish, satin-esque cover, to its thoughtfully-designed, weighted, and aligned inner layer, Gravity’s Cooling Blanket has comfort down to a science. The fabric breathes while also maintaining even compression, so you can enjoy the best of Gravity Blanket without breaking a sweat.

It’s also comfortable enough for regular use. The Cooling Blanket is my current, everyday (and every night) comforter, and has become a staple within my daily routine — whether I’m waking up or winding down.