Can Heating Blankets Cause Health Problems?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Heated blankets

Can an electric blanket affect your heart?

In a study that could end the unforgettable chill that goes with surgery, doctors at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that

a heated blanket can reduce cardiac complications by more than half

.

Why you shouldn’t sleep with a heated blanket?

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.

Do heated blankets give off radiation?


Electric blankets do emit radiation from the movement of electric current through wires

. Extensive studies in animals have repeatedly failed to show that low-frequency radiation EMFs cause cancer (Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology 2011; 107(3):369-373).

Are electric blankets unhealthy?


New electric blankets are a minimal safety risk, but old, damaged, or improperly used electric blankets can pose a risk for fire or burns

. Electric blankets can be a factor in overheating for pregnant women, and many health organizations recommend discontinuing use during pregnancy.

Is it OK to sleep with electric blanket on?

While a modern, well-maintained electric blanket is unlikely to cause problems with proper use,

it is not recommended to keep electric blankets on all night

. Instead, it’s helpful to use electric blankets to warm up your bed before you get in and turn them off before you fall asleep.

Can electric blankets cause nerve damage?

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.

Are electric blankets safe EMF?

Just like any other electrical device, electric blankets emit an electromagnetic field (EMF) when turned on.

Some people believe long-term exposure to it can damage the body and cause cancer, specifically brain tumors and breast cancer

.

Can an electric blanket cause headaches?

A study produced in America in 2000 found that

even a few minute’s exposure to EMFs can lead to depression, headaches

, moodswings, anxiety, lack of energy and leave you more susceptible to disease. {1}Electric blankets create a magnetic field that can penetrate roughly six inches into the body.

Who should not use an electric blanket?


Those under the age of 5 years

may not recognize or be able to verbalize that it is too hot, so these blankets are generally not recommended for them. Another concern is a child who is still bed wetting — they should avoid electric blankets.

Do heated blankets raise blood pressure?


Heating pads may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure when lying down

. Study Highlights: In people with supine hypertension due to autonomic failure, a condition that increases blood pressure when lying down, overnight heat therapy significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to a placebo …

Do electric blankets help arthritis?

For some, the added extra layer of heat can help relieve muscle soreness. For others, (especially those with arthritis),

heated blankets can ease joint pain

and help them sleep more soundly. And if used smartly, electric blankets can also assist with lowering heating costs.

Can electric blankets cause leukemia?


The risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia was increased with children’s use of electric blankets or mattress pads

(OR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.52-4.98) and three other electrical appliances (hair dryers, video machines in arcades, and video games connected to a television), but the patterns of risk for duration in years of …

Can heating pads cause internal damage?

Yet,

leaving a heating pad on for too long can result in injury from burns

and can potentially create a scenario of extreme inflammation in the body as the dilated blood vessels bring pro-inflammatory cells to the area warmed.

Do electric blankets dehydrate you?


Electric blankets are very dehydrating to the body

. When wrapped up in lots of layers it is normally more difficult to tell how much you’re sweating and how dehydrated you are becoming.

How can I heat my bed without an electric blanket?

  1. 4.1) Inspect leaks and cracks.
  2. 4.2) Use warmer sheets or blankets.
  3. 4.3) Turn your ceiling fan to clockwise rotation.
  4. 4.4) Wear socks when sleeping.
  5. 4.5) Use thicker area rugs as an insulator.

How do I know if my electric blanket is safe?

  1. scorch marks or discoloration areas are visible on the fabric of the blanket.
  2. wires are visible or poking through the fabric.
  3. fabric is frayed or worn.
  4. there is damage to the electrical cord between the plug and the blanket’s control mechanism or between the control and the blanket.

Do electric blankets emit EMF when turned off?

Similar health effects have been noted with users of many electric blankets, and

waterbed heaters will emit EMFs even when turned off

. The devices must be unplugged to delete the EMF exposure.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.