Why Some Can’t Sleep Without a Blanket—Even on the Hottest Summer Nights

Why Some of Us Need a Blanket… Even When It’s Sweltering

For many, sleeping tangled up in a duvet or comforter doesn’t just mean warmth—it’s also about comfort. According to several studies highlighted by the magazine Femme Actuelle, wrapping yourself in a comforter is a way to create a little protective nest. This cozy cocoon isn’t just about peace of mind; it may even help fight off certain sleep disturbances and those frustrating middle-of-the-night awakenings.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School took this a step further, diving into the effects of various blankets—particularly those known as weighted blankets. These are specially designed to evenly distribute their weight across the body, providing a uniform, gentle pressure from head to toe. Imagine a soft, gentle squeeze—but from your bed.

The Science of Comfort: Blankets and the Need for Reassurance

So, what’s behind our instinct to cocoon ourselves at bedtime? At its core, the need to sleep under a blanket often comes down to a need for comfort, say the experts. Being bundled up offers both a sense of tranquility and protection—a sensation that seems hardwired in us.

The co-author of the Harvard study explains: « Blankets are meant to work on the same principle as swaddling, which helps newborns feel warm, safe, and drift off more quickly. The blanket creates a kind of comforting hug, which in theory helps to calm and soothe the nervous system. »

That built-in urge for a hug makes sense: who wouldn’t want to feel a bit more at ease when falling asleep? Weighted blankets, in particular, replicate that protective, cocooned feeling many of us crave.

Blankets: Good for the Body as Well as the Mind?

Blankets do more than calm our nerves—they actually impact our physiology as well. Sleep consultant Alanna McGinn explained on CTV’s Your Morning:

“The firm pressure from blankets activates the nervous system and releases serotonin, which helps us relax, and then triggers the release of melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone.”

In other words, there’s real science behind that urge to burrow. As bedtime approaches and night falls, the body’s temperature naturally starts to drop. Sleeping under a blanket helps regulate that temperature—otherwise, as you drift further into sleep and your body cools, you might find yourself shivering in the middle of the night. No fun, no matter how tough you think you are!

• For some, ditching the blanket isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s about chemistry, too.
• Weighted blankets provide gentle, even pressure that soothes the mind and the body.
• The simple act of covering up can signal to your brain: relax, it’s time for sleep.

So, To Duvet or Not to Duvet?

Whether you reach for a fluffy comforter or a chunky weighted blanket, there’s no shame in sticking with what puts you at ease—even in the heart of summer. If the thought of sleeping without a cover gives you chills (pun intended), science has your back. It seems that for many of us, a blanket at bedtime might be as non-negotiable as brushing our teeth—no matter how warm the night gets.