I typically wrestle with an onslaught of anxious thoughts as I fall asleep, with my brain holding what I think of as "internal committee meetings" regarding everything I have to do the next day.
I didn't have high hopes that the blanket would make that stop, but I was surprised to find that the weight on top of me distracted my brain from the anxiety. My racing thoughts slowed down, and I felt physically calmer than I usually do when I'm lying in bed.
Because my body wasn't so focused on anxiety, I found sadness, an emotion that I typically suppress, making its way to the surface. The blanket's distraction from my defensive anxiety forced me to confront the sorrow I often choose to ignore, and I had my first good cry in months.
I felt relieved as I fell asleep and slept soundly through the night.