ANXIETY: WEIGHTED VESTS MAY HELP

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ANXIETY: WEIGHTED VESTS MAY HELP




Weighted vests — and similar tools like weighted blankets — are all about giving your body calming, steady pressure, a technique called deep pressure therapy (DPT). The idea is that this pressure can help soothe your nerves and take the edge off anxiety. But what does the research say?

What the Science Shows

  • Physiological Effects: Recent studies suggest that wearing a weighted vest (especially with added vibration) can reduce your body’s stress response. Your sympathetic nervous system, which fires up when you’re anxious, seems to chill out a bit. One study in Health Science Reports described these vests as a “promising tool” for easing anxiety, at least in the short run. The catch? Scientists say we need more research to be sure.

  • Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT): Research on DPT, the mechanism behind weighted vests and blankets, shows it can help people feel calmer and report less anxiety, especially for those who enjoy or seek out tactile comfort. Some studies even found it lowers physiological markers of stress. Weighted blankets, in particular, have shown benefits for both adults and kids (see IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, and Taylor & Francis).

  • Weighted Vests in Sensory Integration Therapy: Weighted vests have been studied as part of broader sensory integration therapy for kids with autism or sensory processing issues. The results? Some, but not all, saw a modest improvement in anxiety and attention. Some studies saw shifts in stress markers, like electrodermal activity, but others didn’t find much difference. So, the verdict is still out, and experts agree that more significant, better studies are needed (American Journal of Occupational Therapy; Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders).

What to Keep in Mind

  • Everyone’s Different: Not everyone responds the same way. If you’re someone who’s comforted by touch or pressure, you might notice a difference. If not, you might not feel much at all.

  • Short-Term Use: Most studies point to weighted vests being helpful for short bursts of anxiety or stress. There’s not much evidence for using them as a long-term fix.

  • Research Gaps: We still need more extensive, high-quality studies, especially for adults and for anxiety that isn’t tied to sensory processing challenges.

Bottom Line

Weighted vests could be a helpful anxiety tool for some people, especially if you like the feeling of deep pressure. The best evidence supports using them immediately, not as a permanent solution. If you’re curious, trying one (ideally with your doctor’s input) is reasonable, primarily if other calming strategies haven’t worked. The benefits can be hit or miss, and the research is still catching up.

Want the nitty-gritty study details? Check out the full articles in Wiley, IEEE, or the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

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