By now, you've probably heard all the rave about weighted blankets [1] that promise to keep you warm and cozy and help you sleep better [2]. The benefits don't stop there. Because weight is being distributed on and around you, the blanket provides a hugging effect as it grounds you (read more about that here [3]).
Not only will the blanket make you feel like you're getting the best cuddles ever, that hugging feeling also affects your hormones and releases oxytocin, aka the love hormone, that's been associated with everything from female reproduction to social bonding and stress reduction [4]. And it keeps getting better. The hormone serotonin, known to improve mood and cognition [5], is also released.
If you aren't ready to invest in a weighted blanket, you don't have the space, or you want to take baby steps, we've got a solution: the Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask [7] ($35). It'll provide all the benefits of the weighted blanket at a fraction of the cost. "Using the same deep touch pressure stimulation as the Gravity Blanket, the Weighted Sleep Mask primes your body for sleep by blocking light and distributing light touch across key relaxation pressure points," according to the Gravity website [8].
The mask distributes 0.75 to one pound of weight and is made with "micro-plush fiber and imitation cashmere." It also has an adjustable Velcro strap, so you don't have to worry about it being too small or too large for your head.
Get ready to catch some zzz's with the Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask.
Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask [10] ($35)
Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask [11] ($35)
Gravity Weighted Sleep Mask [12] ($35)