Electric Blankets – Nightmares or Dreamsleep?

I grew up just south of Stanthorpe, and while it’s a beautiful place, and I highly recommend a visit there, let me tell you, it can get pretty cold in the winter.

I was a bit of a cowardly child (now I’m a cowardly adult) and while I don’t mind cold weather, I personally don’t like being cold. So I had an electric blanket. Sometimes I “forgot” to turn it off, and I was still hot and reluctant to put my toes in at -5 am…

So I know the appeal of an electric blanket and how nice it is to have something else keep you warm on those rather chilly nights. However, it is not really good for you.

The main reason why electric blankets are not good for you is obvious: there is a risk of fire. Because they are folded/coiled half the year, and in a bed with bodies lying flat and crumpled for part of the year, the wiring can be put under a great deal of stress. Over time, the insulation around the wires can become brittle or break down, which can lead to electrical shocks to the sleeper or short circuits and possible fires.

The second best way to minimize the risk of fire or electric shock from an electric blanket is to have it checked by a qualified electrician every year, before you use it. He or she will check the wiring and visible connections, and test the voltage and current, indicating if there is a short and advise you accordingly. If you have ANY doubts, throw it away!!

The next main reason why you should reduce the use of electric blankets is because they can generate a high electrical and electromagnetic field, which you are sleeping in. Or trying to. The body communicates electrically, and high electrical or electromagnetic fields can cause insomnia, restless or unrefreshing sleep, that “jumping” feeling you sometimes feel in your muscles, anxiety, and sometimes nightmares.

Of course, the second best way to reduce these risks is to turn off the electric blanket before you go to bed, or at least within five minutes of doing so. This can also prevent me from waking up in the middle of the night in a hot sweat…something I’ve done many times as a forgetful kid!

You’ll notice I said these options are second best. This is because obviously the best option is not to use an electric blanket.

What other options are there? Well, there’s always that nice resource, the hot water bottle. These are great, cheap, you can get really cute and cozy covers for them, and they have the added bonus that you can use them as a COLD water bottle in the summer.

I personally have a second (cheap) comforter, which I use as a fitted sheet, under my fitted sheet. That has the benefit of reflecting heat back to me as soon as I get into bed. A nice warm shower just before bed to warm up your skin, get into bed and you’re good to go. You can also get base layers made of sheepskin or wool that do something similar.

How do you keep warm? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!