Finding effective ways to reduce stress and relax after a long day can be a challenge.

We know that weighted blankets promote deep sleep, but taking it a step further, a weighted pillow offers more versatility.

What is a Weighted Pillow?

A weighted pillow for sleep or relaxation is a special pillow filled with a material that adds weight. Typically, beads or pellets are used as the filling to increase the pillow’s weight.

They typically weigh between 3 and 15 lbs., depending on the pillow’s size.

The Benefits of Weighted Pillows

The concept of a weighted pillow is to provide subtle, consistent pressure to a specific part of your body. 

The benefits of a weight pillow vs a weighted blanket:

  • They are small and portable

  • Versatile, unlike a weighted blanket, they can be used in a specific area

  • Localized soothing, such as your chest, lap, shoulders, back, and stomach

The Concept of a Weighted Pillow for Sleep

What does a weighted pillow do? The main idea behind them is to provide a therapeutic technique called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), also known as Deep Touch Pressure (DTP).

DPS or DTP is essentially firm, gentle pressure that feels like a hug. It produces the same effect as swaddling a baby or getting a deep-tissue massage.

The weight of the pillow sends a signal to our body, prompting us to feel calm and safe.

The Nervous System Shift

The primary goal of a weighted pillow is to shift the nervous system from “fight or flight” mode to a restful state.

When we are in fight-or-flight mode, our sympathetic nervous system triggers a stress response. This stress response triggers the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, in the body.

The goal is to reach the “rest and digest” mode, which enables the parasympathetic nervous system to take over. During this phase, your heart rate slows, muscles relax, and a feeling of relaxation and tranquility sets in.

The use of DPS stimulates this system in the body.

The Role of Neurotransmitters

Once the pillow’s pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, hormones and neurotransmitters that promote well-being are released.

What are these hormones?

1. Serotonin: This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood, creating a sense of well-being, and contentment.

2. Melatonin: The sleep-wake hormone that helps you feel sleepy.

3. Dopamine: This hormone is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation.

4. Oxytocin: “The snuggle hormone.” It promotes a sense of calm and bonding.

A weighted pillow utilizes the science of touch to provide a sense of grounding and calming that helps shift the nervous system, easing anxiety and restlessness and promoting relaxation for improved sleep.

The Best Weighted Pillows: What to Look For

Finding the right pillow is a matter of personal preference, but this guideline serves as a general rule of thumb.

WEIGHT

Chest use for anxiety relief: 3-6 lbs.

For sleep support and restlessness: 3-5 lbs.

For deep sensory activity: 8-12 lbs.

For focus/used as a lap pad: 3-4 lbs.

*Look for pillows that feel comforting, not heavy and restrictive

FILL MATERIAL

Recycled glass beads: Hypoallergenic, smooth texture, fine-grained for even weight distribution, and environmentally friendly.

Plastic beads: Cost-effective, durable, and easy to wash.

Buckwheat hulls: Natural, breathable, provide a dense, moldable weight that conforms well to different body parts.

Beads combined with foam or fiberfill add structure and softness, providing a stable weight that won't shift too much.

DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE

Even weight distribution: Your pillow should remain in the position you place it. Look for a design that integrates the weight into the main structure.

Washable cover: An easy-to-remove cover that can be washed for hygiene purposes.

Huggable size and shape: Choose a size that is comfortable to hug against your chest or lay across your lap or shoulders.

Cover material: Cotton or bamboo for cooling and breathability. Fleece or plush polyester for softness and coziness.

Durability: Look for durable construction to make sure beads don’t leak over time.

Chemical-free: To safeguard your health and the environment.

Why Yana Sleep’s weighted Heart Pillow Checks All the Boxes

Yana Sleep’s weighted heart-shaped pillow offers the added benefit of aromatherapy, complementing the already therapeutic benefits of deep touch therapy. 

Warm your pillow insert briefly in the microwave to release the subtle, calming scent of lavender before placing it on your desired area.

Soft and cuddly, made of organic cotton velvet, with an insert also crafted from organic cotton, designed for breathability and gentle pressure. 

At 3 lbs., it is the perfect weight for use in multiple areas. Easy to wash cover and always Oeko-Tex certified, so you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.

Ease tension, reduce anxiety, and fall into a deep sleep with our weighted heart-shaped pillow at Yana Sleep.