Target’s selling (affordable!) weighted blankets that might help you sleep better, mama

It’s awesome that weighted blankets are becoming more affordable because research suggests they can help people (especially children with special needs) de-stress. And it’s not just a cool trend. There’s some science to back up all the weighted blanket enthusiasts who swear these blankets and the heavy pellets inside them help them relax and get a better night’s sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders found the heavy blankets and the pressure they provide to have a beneficial calming effect on adult insomniacs, helping them sleep longer and reducing middle-of-the-night awake time.

Another study found similar results when the blankets were used by kids between 8 to 13 with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Basically, the kids slept longer and were awake in the night less when they had the weighted blanket.

The blankets are often used to help kids who are on the autism spectrum or experience sensory or sleep issues, as many find the pressure from the extra weight relaxing.

One study even found they helped people getting their wisdom teeth pulled chill out while in the dentist’s chair (definitely a stressful experience).

Basically, there are a ton of reasons why shoppers have been keen to get their hands on a weighted blanket for themselves or their kids. And the social media reviews are looking good, too, with Instagram users suggesting the blankets are comparable or better than similar (but more expensive) products they’ve purchased elsewhere.

Bottom line: If you’ve been dreaming of a blanket with extra weight without the extra cost, Target is coming to your rescue just in time for Christmas. Might be time for a Target run (and then a nice nap with your weighted blanket).

The 12lb Weighted Tranquility Throw Blanket is $69.99 at Target right now