Weighted blanket
A blanket loaded with beads or pellets, usually near a tenth of body weight
Quilted blanket weighted with glass beads or plastic pellets, typically 10 to 40 pounds. The proposed mechanism is deep pressure stimulation: even pressure across the body nudges the nervous system toward its calmer setting. Small trials in insomnia patients and in children with ADHD look promising, and larger objective studies are still missing.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Rich RollDoes it
Ultra-endurance athlete · The Rich Roll Podcast
A weighted blanket, the Gravity one, goes over him at night. His explanation is loose: the weight seems to tell his nervous system that he is safe.
Source: The Tim Ferriss Show #561 transcript - Matthew WalkerDiscusses
Sleep scientist · author of Why We Sleep
Gave weighted blankets a whole episode and came out cautiously interested. He points to a 2020 trial where 42 percent of insomnia patients reached remission and a 2021 study showing less restlessness, then says the bigger objective trials are still missing. Around ten percent of body weight is the figure he quotes.
Source: The Matt Walker Podcast #98: Weighted Blankets
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under sleep or stress.
- Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Acupressure mat
A mat covered in plastic spikes, used for 15 to 40 minutes before bed
On record from 1 of 62 tracked people: 1 does it - Gear$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.
Camping tent
Pitched shelter, used by a few people as a permanent outdoor bedroom
On record from 1 of 62 tracked people: 1 does it - Protocol$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.
Sauna
Regular heat exposure, often 4 sessions a week at 20 minutes
On record from 17 of 62 tracked people: 11 do it, 3 recommend it, 3 have discussed it - Supplement$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Magnesium (threonate or glycinate)
Taken 30-60 minutes before bed to help with sleep onset
On record from 11 of 62 tracked people: 8 do it, 1 recommends it, 2 have discussed it - ProtocolFREE, no cost
Breathwork
Structured breathing sessions to shift the nervous system up or down
On record from 7 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 has discussed it - App$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Headspace
Guided meditation app built around ten-minute sessions, voiced by Andy Puddicombe
On record from 3 of 62 tracked people: 2 do it, 1 recommends it
Gear entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.