Weighted Blanket Use for Adults With Chronic Pain

Part of paid clinical trials in Portland, Oregon.

Sponsor
National University of Natural Medicine
Study ID
NCT07498491
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Chronic Pain
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Pain Disorders
  • Sleep Disturbance

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Weighted Blanket — DEVICE
    Participants will receive a weighted blanket sized to approximately 10 percent of their body weight for nightly use during sleep. Blanket weight will be assigned by body weight: 10 lb (100-149.9 lbs), 15 lb (150-199.9 lbs), 20 lb (200-249.9 lbs), and 25 lb (250-299.9 lbs). The blanket provides evenly distributed deep pressure across the body through weighted filling materials sewn into the fabric. Participants will begin with a 7-day run-in adjustment period to become accustomed to sleeping with the blanket and to assess tolerability. Those who tolerate the blanket will continue nightly use during a 4-week intervention period. The weighted blanket is intended to provide gentle pressure stimulation during sleep and is being evaluated as a non-pharmacologic approach that may support relaxation, sleep quality, and overall comfort in adults living with chronic pain.

Study Details

Chronic pain is a common condition that can affect sleep, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Many individuals living with chronic pain seek non-medication approaches to help manage their symptoms. Weighted blankets are commonly used to promote relaxation and comfort during sleep, but there is limited research examining their potential role in supporting people with chronic pain. This pilot study will explore the experiences of adults with chronic pain who use a weighted blanket during sleep. The study aims to better understand whether nightly use of a weighted blanket may be associated with changes in pain, sleep, and daily functioning. Findings from this study will help inform future research on non-medication approaches to managing chronic pain. Approximately 44 adults with chronic pain will participate in the study. Participation will last about five weeks. After completing a virtual enrollment visit and baseline questionnaires, participants will receive a weighted blanket sized to approximately 10 percent of their body weight. Participants will first complete a 7-day adjustment period using the blanket while sleeping. If they tolerate the blanket and use it nightly during this period, they will continue into a 4-week study phase in which they will use the weighted blanket each night. During the study, participants will complete brief online surveys about their experiences and adherence to using the blanket. Pain and quality-of-life questionnaires will be completed at multiple time points, including at the start and end of the study. Participants will also provide feedback about their experience using the weighted blanket. Results from this pilot study will help researchers better understand how weighted blankets may be used by adults with chronic pain and may help guide the design of future studies evaluating non-pharmacologic approaches to pain management.

Key Dates

Start date
May 27, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Aug 31, 2026
Completion
Sep 15, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
44 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Weighted Blanket Nightly Use for Chronic Pain
    Participants will receive a weighted blanket sized to approximately 10 percent of their body weight and will be instructed to use the blanket nightly during sleep. The study includes a 7-day run-in adjustment period followed by a 4-week intervention period. The run-in period allows participants to become accustomed to the blanket and assess tolerability. Participants who tolerate the blanket will continue using it nightly for the 4-week study phase. Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline, after the run-in period, and at the end of the study, along with brief weekly surveys to report adherence and experiences using the weighted blanket.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in self-reported pain intensity [ Time Frame: Baseline to end of intervention (approximately 5 weeks) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
National University of Natural MedicinePortlandOregon97201
Carina Staab, DC, MEd
[email protected]
503-552-1862

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By research site
National University of Natural Medicine· Portland, OR

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