{"id":25059,"date":"2022-11-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/weighted-stuffed-animals\/"},"modified":"2023-08-22T18:34:50","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T18:34:50","slug":"weighted-stuffed-animals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/weighted-stuffed-animals\/","title":{"rendered":"Can a Weighted Stuffed Animal Help You Sleep Better? We Put the Viral Weighted Dino to the Test to Find Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We’ve been hearing about weighted blankets<\/a> and weighted eye masks<\/a> for some time now, so it only makes sense that weighted stuffed animals would be the next item in this category to become a trend. The thinking is these weighted products can help promote a sense of calm that makes it easier to fall (and stay) asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most popular weighted stuffed animal of the moment seems to be the TikTok-viral dinosaur<\/a>, which has a pellet-filled belly that makes it the\u2014in my opinion\u2014perfect weight of about three pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think weighted stuffed animals are just for kids? Think again. It turns out they can be a healthy addition to anyone’s sleep routine, no matter your age. (Here’s what you need to know about sleeping with a stuffed animal as an adult<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s everything you need to know about weighted stuffed animals and whether they can help you sleep better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a weighted stuffed animal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weighted stuffed animals are similar to weighted blankets. They’re products that are filled with beads or pellets and are thought to use deep pressure to calm the nervous system and release serotonin and dopamine throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think of a weighted stuffed animal like a weighted blanket in a smaller form. While weighted blankets usually range in weight from 10 to 20 pounds, weighted stuffed animals are usually in the one- to five-pound range. Most weighted stuffed animals clock in at around three pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of weighted stuffed animals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s limited research on weighted blankets\u2014and there’s even less research on weighted stuffed animals. But what we do know is that studies suggest applying pressure to the body in the form of a weighted blanket or stuffed animal can help reduce the body’s release of cortisol, the stress hormone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also help calm the fight-or-flight response<\/a> in the body and calm the nervous system, which is needed to usher in sleep. While weighted stuffed animals or weighted blankets aren’t a one-size-fits-all cure for everyone, they may be able to help those dealing with anxiety<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weighted stuffed animals “provide pressure that most people find calming and relaxing, similar to a hug or a massage,” explains Lynelle Schneeberg<\/a>, PsyD, author of Become Your Child’s Sleep Coach: The Bedtime Doctor’s 5-Step Guide, Ages 3-10<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While they have a similar effect as weighted blankets, they cover less of the body\u2014so some people might opt for using a blanket instead of a stuffed animal or toy, she adds. (Learn about weighted pillows<\/a> and whether they can help you sleep better.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weighted stuffed animal review<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I purchased the popular weighted dinosaur<\/a>, which weighs three pounds, and found that it unexpectedly helped reduce my anxiety while watching TV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recently, I’ve gotten into the routine of watching a show and then also scrolling on my phone (a no-no before bed) at the same time. With a weighted stuffed animal, you can cuddle with it or sleep with it on a part of you, such as your arm or stomach, says Schneeberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At night, I found that I liked cuddling with it better. Holding a weighted stuffed animal stopped my urge to pick up my phone while I lounged on the couch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You can also, of course, sleep on top of it, adds Schneeberg. “If you do, you may find that the material used to weight the stuffed animal can be adjusted to conform to your head and neck in a way that some people might find very comfortable.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to choose a weighted stuffed animal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many types of weighted stuffed animals on the market. So, I’d encourage you to think about what comforts you best so you can find the most relaxing option. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n