Weighted blankets are all the rage right now, thanks to levels of anxiety being at an all-time high.

So what exactly are they, and how do they help to calm you down?

Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that weigh between 5 to 30 pounds.

The pressure from the extra weight mimics a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation. It’s meant to feel like you’re safe and cocooned, or like a baby in the womb.

According to Healthline, deep pressure stimulation can relieve pain, reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

Research has shown that weighted blankets can reduce “autonomic arousal”, which is responsible for the symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate.

In one study, weighted blankets were shown to reduce anxiety in 33% of participants – while lying down may also have helped.

Weighted blankets can also help if you or your kids have autism – a 2014 study found that parents and children preferred to sleep with weighted blankets, even though their sleep scores were not technically improved.

This is supported by a smaller research studyTrusted Source that found the positive benefits of deep pressure therapy in some people with autism.

When choosing a weighted blanket, you should go for one that’s around 5 to 10% of your body weight.

The weighted blanket should also fit snugly to the size of the bed.

There are lots of different manufacturers but you can buy one from Koala here – choose between 4kg, 6.8kg and 9kg.

It has two sides for extra comfort – use the silky eco bamboo side for warmer days and the ultra-soft minky side for colder days (like now).

It also comes with loops and ties that allows you to fit the duvet inside the cover.