The question of whether one can safely sleep with a heated blanket is met with a qualified yes, provided the device is modern and used with specific safety protocols. A contemporary heated blanket is an appliance with integrated, low-voltage wiring and a thermostat-controlled system. These newer models typically include advanced safety features, such as automatic shut-off timers and overheat protection. While they offer comfort and warmth, safe use relies entirely on proper handling and understanding of device integrity and physiological effects.
Preventing Device Hazards
The greatest risk associated with heated blankets is the potential for fire or localized burns caused by device malfunction or misuse. A heated blanket should be regularly inspected for any signs of wear, including frayed electrical cords, loose plug connections, or scorch marks on the fabric. Any visible damage indicates the blanket should be immediately replaced, as compromised wiring can lead to electrical arcing and ignite bedding material.
The physical placement of the blanket is important for preventing overheating. The blanket must be laid flat across the bed; folding, bunching, or tucking it tightly around the mattress can damage the internal heating elements. This improper placement traps heat in a concentrated area, which may lead to dangerous hot spots. Placing heavy objects on top of the blanket while it is operating can also trap heat and damage the internal wires.
Users should only purchase blankets that have been certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Modern blankets automatically shut off after a set period or if they sense an unsafe temperature increase. However, blankets over ten years old should be retired, even if they appear functional. This is because the internal wiring insulation degrades over time, increasing the risk of failure and fire.
How Heated Blankets Affect Your Body
Prolonged exposure to heat from a heated blanket can interfere with the body’s natural temperature regulation processes during sleep. The core body temperature naturally dips at night to facilitate deeper, more restorative sleep stages. Using a heated blanket throughout the entire night can prevent this natural temperature drop, potentially increasing the user’s core temperature.
This slight elevation in core temperature can lead to a decrease in sleep efficiency, increasing the number of stage changes and the amount of lighter sleep stages. Continuous heat exposure also contributes to insensible water loss, which can result in mild dehydration upon waking. The external heat can cause blood vessels near the skin’s surface to dilate, which may affect circulation, particularly in the extremities.
In rare cases, prolonged, high-heat exposure can lead to hyperthermia, though modern safety features make this unlikely for healthy individuals. The primary concern is the risk of low-level contact burns or skin irritation, especially when the skin is in direct contact with the heated surface. This risk is amplified for individuals who cannot sense when the temperature is becoming too high.
Best Practices for Use and Contraindications
The safest way to use a heated blanket is to utilize it as a pre-heating device for the bed. This method involves turning the blanket on a moderate setting for a short period before getting into bed. Users should then turn it completely off or set it to the lowest timer setting before falling asleep. This strategy provides the comfort of a warm bed without the risks associated with continuous nocturnal heat exposure.
If a heated blanket is kept on while sleeping, it should be set to the lowest temperature setting and have an auto-shutoff feature enabled. Users must avoid combining the blanket with other heat sources, such as a heating pad or a hot water bottle. The blanket should be used directly above the top sheet or under the user, depending on the model’s design, and never with two heated blankets stacked together.
Certain populations should exercise caution or avoid heated blankets entirely:
- Individuals with diabetes or other conditions causing peripheral neuropathy have reduced sensation and may not perceive a burn developing on their skin.
- Pregnant individuals are advised to consult a doctor, as a sustained increase in core body temperature could affect fetal development.
- Infants and young children should not use heated blankets.
- People with cognitive impairment or immobility should avoid them, as they may be unable to operate the controls or move away from excessive heat.