26 October 2023 , 06:50
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As temperatures start to plummet across the UK, many Brits are switching on their trusty heated blankets in a bid to warm up during the winter months.
But experts have warned that sleeping with an electric blanket could cause havoc for your health. One worried reader reached out to columnists Dr Eve Glazier and Dr Elizabeth Ko, to ask if the snuggly covers are a “health hazard” if used for too long during the night.
Responding in The Spokesman Review, the experts highlighted that inadvertently overheating the body could be a risk. They explained how various medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause neuropathy - which describes damage to the peripheral nerves.
The NHS notes that peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body’s extremities, such as the hands, feet and arms, are damaged. This can cause pain, tingling and prickling sensations, as well as numbness.
According to Dr Eve Glazier and Dr Elizabeth Ko: “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.”
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While there have been some reports of heat stroke deaths caused by electric blankets, the doctors reassured that these are “exceedingly rare”. They also warned that heated blankets can have a negative impact on sleep.
Research has shown that our core body temperature decreases by one or two degrees when we are sleeping, which has been linked to improved sleep quality. The experts suggest that a heated sleeping environment could interfere with the body’s nocturnal temperature cycles and hinder sleep.
They also discussed the impact of electric blankets and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The National Cancer Institute Trusted Source states that heated blankets are a source for extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMFs), along with power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical appliances.
The doctors said: “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.”
The National Cancer Institute notes that “no mechanism by which ELF-EMFs or radiofrequency radiation could cause cancer has been identified.” Further research is required in this field.
Instead of using the electric blanket for the whole night, the doctors suggested pre-heating your bed an hour beforehand and switching it off when you retire into the sheets. Another option is to use layers of quilts and blankets to keep you warm into the morning.
It’s important to note that electric bedding should never be used for an infant or someone who is immobile. You should also check that the blanket is in good working order, and follow the manufacturer’s directions on storage, maintenance and cleaning.