You’re lying awake, unable to drift off—until you pull your blanket over you, and suddenly sleep comes easier.
Somehow, blankets seem to have a magical quality, comforting us even when the weather is warm. There are actually several reasons behind this attachment, and once you understand them, it’ll all start to make sense.
We at Bright Side looked into the science and psychology behind why we can’t sleep without our blankets—and here’s what we discovered.
Blankets Help Regulate Body Temperature
As warm-blooded beings, our bodies naturally maintain a consistent internal temperature. But during deep sleep, our ability to control body heat decreases. This is where blankets come in—they help stabilize our body temperature, providing warmth when our natural regulation slows down.
They’re Part of Our Sleep Routine
Humans are creatures of habit, and this plays a big role in our dependence on blankets. Even if the feeling of comfort isn’t the primary factor, using a blanket has been part of our nighttime routine since childhood. Covering up signals to our brain and body that it’s time to sleep, reinforcing a habit deeply rooted in our daily rhythm.
Blankets Help Ease Stress and Anxiety
Serotonin, a brain chemical that boosts feelings of happiness and calm, often drops when we’re stressed or anxious—making it hard to fall asleep. But wrapping up in a blanket can help increase serotonin levels, gradually reducing those anxious feelings and promoting a sense of peace.
They Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Blankets form a microclimate around us—a stable little bubble where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much. This keeps our skin warm and shields us from cooler elements in the room. As a result, we fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, with fewer disruptions throughout the night.
They Make Us Feel Secure
For many of us, fear of the dark was a big part of childhood. Back then, pulling the blanket over our heads felt like a magical escape that protected us from the unknown. That deep sense of safety never really left us. Even as adults, being under a blanket still offers a sense of protection that helps calm the mind.
What about you? Do you still sleep with a blanket on—even during hot summer nights? Does it help you drift off faster?