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[00:00.96] When her husband gave her a weighted blanket to help her sleep, Rhonda James did not think it would work.

[00:10.25] In other words, she was skeptical.

[00:14.77] But five minutes after covering herself with the blanket, she was asleep.

[00:21.94] “It felt like a really big hug,” said James.

[00:26.19] She is a banker who lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

[00:32.03] As temperatures drop, a weighted blanket can be a popular choice to help you keep warm.

[00:40.27] But some people say the extra pressure of the cover also helps to ease their worries and fall asleep faster.

[00:51.69] However, research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets is limited.

[00:59.39] The Associated Press recently reported on what is known about weighted blankets.

[01:07.36] Weighted blankets are filled with small glass balls, cotton or another filling.

[01:16.39] This makes them heavier than usual blankets.

[01:21.17] Scientists may not know exactly how the blankets comfort, but they have a few ideas.

[01:29.67] The heavy, even feeling from a weighted blanket may calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response, said Dr. Neal Walia.

[01:41.36] He is a sleep medicine expert at University of California, Los Angeles Health.

[01:48.80] He said, “The evenly distributed weight on you tells your body..." you are in a "...calm environment.’”

[01:58.10] The extra pressure also may cause the brain to release the hormone oxytocin.

[02:05.53] Sometimes called the “love hormone,” the body creates oxytocin during loving moments, such as hugging.

[02:15.36] Oxytocin can also lower anxiety, Walia said.

[02:21.74] For most healthy adults, experts say to choose a blanket that is about 10 percent of your body weight.

[02:31.03] However, the blankets are not good for everyone.

[02:36.35] For example, some people may find them too hot to use, especially during warmer weather.

[02:45.11] People with breathing problems or disorders such as sleep apnea should check with a doctor before using a weighted blanket.

[02:57.33] Experts say to not use weighted blankets for children under three years old.

[03:04.24] The weight can limit their movement and breathing.