By Eve Glazier, M.D., , Elizabeth Ko and M.D.
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Andrews McMeel Syndication
Dear Doctor: My wife and I sleep with an electric blanket for heat. Is there a health hazard in using it too long at night?
Dear Reader: Considering the extreme weather that froze wide swaths of the nation this past winter – including many usually temperate areas – it’s not surprising to learn that electric blankets have been pressed into service. Your question about safety of the devices echoes the concerns of many readers.
One of the potential risks of using electric blankets is inadvertently overheating the body. Electric bedding should never be used for an infant or someone who is immobile.
Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, can result in neuropathy, which arises from damage to the peripheral nerves. Neuropathy causes pain, tingling and prickling sensations, most commonly in the feet and hands. It can also result in numbness. Any of these symptoms can have the net effect of interfering with an individual’s sensitivity to heat, particularly while sleeping. This makes it possible to become overheated while sleeping with an electric blanket, or even suffer burns in areas of direct contact with the appliance. While there have been several reports over the years of heat stroke deaths caused by elevated core body temperatures due sleeping with an electric blanket, these are exceedingly rare.
Less dramatic but still important is the potential for heated blankets to affect sleep. Numerous studies over the decades have shown that our core body temperature drops a few degrees as we sleep. Lower body temperature has also been linked to a faster onset and better quality of sleep. By creating a continuously heated environment, electric blankets may interfere with the body’s nocturnal temperature cycles, thus interfering with sleep.
The topic that seems to generate the most controversy about electric blankets is the question of electromagnetic fields, or EMFs. These are areas of energy that are present in the natural world as well as in the man-made one. In the built world, EMFs are generated by power lines, the electric wiring within a home, wireless communication devices and equipment, and electrical appliances, including the electric blanket. The concern is that, because our bodies generate billions of tiny electrical impulses that are capable of being influenced by external EMFs, exposure may present a health hazard. Although the issue continues to generate numerous studies and an ocean of ink with impassioned arguments on both sides, a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached.
One potential compromise is to use the electric blanket to preheat the bed. Turn it on an hour or so before you retire for the night, and turn it off before getting into bed. With a snug and cozy start to the night, we think you’ll find a few layers of quilts and blankets will keep you warm until morning. In the meantime, if you do use an electric blanket, be sure it’s in good working order. Address any potential tripping hazards presented by the controls and wires, and follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding placement, maintenance and cleaning.
Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu.
Are you tired of filling up your hot water bottle to keep yourself warm in the cold winter months? You're not alone!
Electric blankets are a fantastic way of solving that nasty winter chill. But how effective are they? We've got you covered if you want to know how an electric blanket heats up and how long they take to get warm.
When you slip under a duvet in the middle of winter, there's nothing worse than a cold sheet! Just the thought is enough to send a chill down your spine. Of course, you can avoid this nasty shock by using an electric blanket.
Ideally, you should warm your blanket before you settle in for the night if you want to be greeted by a snug, warm bed. High-quality electric blankets can preheat in as little as 20 minutes. But in most cases, the blanket can take 30 minutes to an hour before reaching your desired temperature.
You can set the temperature on the blanket by using the controller connected to the power cord. Most models come with low, medium, and high heat settings.
Depending on your chosen setting, you may need to wait longer for it to warm up. This is because the blanket will need more or less time to reach the different temperatures set by the controller.
Electric blankets work by generating heat through interconnected wires which are coated with protective coverings and sit between heat-safe materials. These wires pass through one or two corners of the blanket and are attached to a temperature controller and plug.
When you plug your blanket in, the electricity will power the temperature regulator and keep your bed at the temperature you choose.
For more guidance, read our guide on how to use an electric blanket.
Over time, wear and tear can take its toll on any bedding. You might notice that your heated blanket isn’t getting hot or it isn’t working altogether.
Below are some reasons why your electric blanket may not be heating up as quickly as it should.
For more information, please visit fleece electric heated throw supplier.
Because your electric blanket relies on its various wires and connection points to work effectively, a faulty or loose connection can interfere with how well your blanket works.
If your blanket has stopped working, you'll need to unplug it. Then, you'll need to check each of the connection points. Check the plug, temperature controller or switch, and the cord connection where it attaches to the blanket.
If the connection is faulty, you will need to replace your electric blanket.
There are two main types of electric blankets: under and over blankets. You can also get a heated throw which are easy to use and can be moved around more than the others.
Under blankets are placed over your mattress and under your bottom sheet. In comparison, over blankets lie above your sheet and under or over your duvet.
Both blankets must be used carefully to avoid faulty connections and to ensure they work properly and get warm. If the blanket is bunched up or hanging over the edges of your bed, the internal wiring may be affected, which can stop it from warming up.
It’s also important you maintain your electric blanket properly, following all manufacturer guidance on washing and cleaning.
There are several ways your electric blanket can get damaged enough to stop working effectively. One of the most common causes is that users don't allow their blankets to dry after washing them or washing them incorrectly.
You'll need to detach all the cords and connectors running from the blanket to the power cord before washing your blanket. Once it's washed, let it dry completely before plugging it in again. If you still feel damp patches on your blanket, leave it to dry a little longer.
Plugging your blanket in when it's still damp can cause damage to the blanket. For more details on caring for your electric blanket, read our guide on how to wash an electric blanket.
When your electric blanket is worn and older, it may have reached the end of its life. Most electric blankets need replacing every 10 years, although some may need to be replaced sooner. If you look after your blanket and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning or storing, you’ll help keep your blanket lasting longer.
Sometimes, your blanket may stop getting warm if it has a built-in timer. After a while, your electric blanket may automatically switch off for safety or to save electricity. This is a likely cause of why your electric blanket isn’t as warm as you think it should be.
Most modern electric blankets feature a shut-off feature to keep you safe during use.
It isn't recommended to leave electric blankets on all night. Modern electric blankets are designed with an automatic timer to switch your appliance off after a long period. Others may have a temperature regulator or overheat protection for better safety.
According to the standard manufacturer's instructions, you should let your blanket heat up before climbing into bed and turn it off before falling asleep.
Electric blankets placed on or under duvets can heat the entire surface of the bed. However, electric blankets are shorter than the entire length of the bed as they are not supposed to go under your pillow.
Some blankets come with dual control that allows you to heat one half of the blanket at a time. This is great for when you're sharing a bed with someone and want to choose your preferred heat settings to keep you warm.
Sleeping with your electric blanket on can negatively affect your health, particularly if you have diabetes and other medical conditions. Sleeping with your electric blanket on can also cause overheating and excess sweating.
As mentioned above, it is not recommended that electric blankets are left on while asleep.
However, if you're looking for a less high-tech alternative for all-night warmth, you may want to use a hot water bottle or another alternative to electric blankets.
If you're looking for a new electric blanket, take a look at our range of Slumberdown electric blankets and Snuggledown electric blankets at Sleepseeker. We also have a vast selection of bedding to choose from, including duvets, pillows, mattress toppers, and so much more.
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