Long used to help children with autism or sensory challenges, weighted blankets have become increasingly popular among the general public as a purported remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. But is there evidence to support those uses? Harvard Health takes a closer look:

While some people swear by these blankets, concrete evidence is unfortunately lacking. There are really no reputable scientific studies to back up the claims, says Dr. Cristina Cusin, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “A randomized clinical trial to test the blankets would be very difficult,” she says. A blind comparison is impossible because people can automatically tell if the blanket is heavy or not.

So it comes down to trying a weighted blanket and seeing how it works for you. However, make sure you check with your doctor before doing so if you have sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, a respiratory condition, or if you want to try one for your child.