What are the disadvantages of sleeping with an electric blanket?

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Modern electric blankets have improved safety features, but they still present certain risks. A key concern is that older units, or those with damaged wiring, contribute disproportionately to safety incidents. Understanding the potential disadvantages of sleeping with an electric blanket is crucial for making an informed choice about your bedroom safety and health.

Quick Summary

Modern electric blankets can pose risks including fire and burns, sleep cycle disruption, potential EMF exposure, and are not recommended for certain groups like pregnant individuals or diabetics. Proper use, like turning it off before sleeping, is critical to mitigate these drawbacks.

Key Points

Fire and electrical risks: Older blankets, damaged wiring, and improper usage (folding or bunching) can significantly increase the risk of fires and electric shock.
Burn risks for sensitive individuals: People with reduced heat sensitivity, such as diabetics, the elderly, or infants, are at a higher risk of sustaining burns from an electric blanket.
Disrupted sleep cycles: Continuous heating can interfere with your body's natural temperature regulation, potentially leading to poorer sleep quality.
Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure: Electric blankets emit low-level EMFs, and while studies are inconclusive, some experts recommend limiting prolonged exposure as a precaution.
Special considerations for health: Pregnant individuals, those with pacemakers, and people with poor circulation should exercise extra caution or avoid using electric blankets.
Proper usage is key: Using modern blankets with auto-shutoff, regular inspections, and only pre-warming the bed can help minimize the potential disadvantages and risks.

Fire and Electrical Safety Hazards

One of the most significant disadvantages of an electric blanket is the potential for fire and electrical shock. While modern blankets are much safer than older models, the risk is not eliminated. Older blankets, especially those over 10 years old, are a leading cause of electric blanket fires due to deteriorating wiring and insulation. Frayed cords, loose connections, and faulty controls can also present serious hazards.

Another critical factor is improper use. When an electric blanket is folded, bunched up, or tucked under a mattress, heat can become trapped and build up to dangerous levels. This can cause the blanket to overheat and potentially ignite, posing a significant fire risk. Liquids also pose a serious danger; spills or accidents from urinary incontinence can damage wiring and lead to electrical shock. Additionally, pets can be a hazard, as their claws or chewing can compromise the internal wiring.

Health and Physiological Concerns

Beyond immediate safety, electric blankets can have several negative health effects, particularly with prolonged overnight use.

Overheating and Burns

Even without causing a fire, an electric blanket can cause burns. This is especially true for individuals who may not be able to sense excessive heat due to medical conditions, age, or mobility issues.

Diabetics: Those with diabetes, particularly those with neuropathy, may have reduced heat sensitivity in their extremities, increasing the risk of burns.
Infants and Elderly: Infants and the elderly may have difficulty regulating their body temperature or moving away from heat sources, making them vulnerable to burns and overheating.
Pressure Points: Falling asleep on a bunched-up area of the blanket can concentrate heat on one spot, leading to burns over time.

Disrupted Sleep Cycle

Using an electric blanket throughout the night can interfere with your natural sleep cycle. Your body temperature naturally drops as you prepare for sleep. By introducing continuous external heat, an electric blanket can disrupt this process, leading to a lighter, less restorative sleep. Some experts recommend using the blanket only to preheat the bed and turning it off before you get in.

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Exposure

Electric blankets emit low-level electromagnetic fields (EMFs) when in use. While evidence linking these low-level EMFs to long-term health issues is inconclusive, some studies suggest a potential link to cellular stress. As a precautionary measure, many experts advise limiting prolonged exposure, especially for vulnerable individuals. Concerns regarding EMFs are a key reason some people prefer alternative heating methods.

Skin Irritation and Dryness

Direct and prolonged exposure to the dry heat from an electric blanket can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential heat rashes. For individuals with existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, this dry heat can exacerbate symptoms.

Potential Issues for Specific Groups

Certain individuals should be particularly cautious or avoid electric blankets altogether due to specific health concerns. The warmth they offer may not outweigh the risks involved.

Pregnant Individuals: Overheating, especially during the first trimester, is a major concern as it has been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Medical advice often recommends minimizing exposure to external heat sources like electric blankets.
Pacemaker Users: While modern pacemakers are well-shielded against most household EMFs, there remains a theoretical risk of interference. Most manufacturers and cardiologists agree that careful use is acceptable, but direct contact with the blanket over the device should be avoided.

Electric Blanket vs. Alternatives Comparison Table


Feature	Electric Blanket	Traditional Bedding (e.g., Down)	Hot Water Bottle	Space Heater
Safety Risk	Fire, burns, electrical shock if old or damaged.	Low to none.	Bursting, leaks, or burns if handled improperly.	Fire, especially near curtains or paper.
Temperature Control	Precise settings, auto shut-off available.	No control, depends on insulation.	Limited, gradually cools down.	Can heat an entire room, less localized.
EMF Exposure	Low-level EMFs emitted.	None.	None.	Emits EMFs, but at a greater distance.
Sleep Disruption	Potential to disrupt natural sleep cycle.	Promotes natural temperature regulation.	Can affect sleep rhythm slightly.	Can dry out air, causing discomfort.
Health Concerns	Overheating risks for sensitive groups.	Minimal health risks.	Minor risk of burns if not careful.	Potential for dry air irritation.
Convenience	Plug in and go, auto shut-off.	Requires layering, no automation.	Requires boiling water, can be inconvenient.	Plugs into wall, heats room quickly.

Mitigating the Disadvantages with Safer Practices

If you choose to use an electric blanket, a number of best practices can significantly reduce the potential risks:

Preheat Only: Use the blanket to warm your bed before you get in, then turn it off and unplug it. This prevents prolonged exposure and helps with sleep regulation.
Inspect Regularly: Before each use, visually inspect the blanket for signs of damage, such as fraying wires, burn marks, or faulty controls. Replace any blanket showing wear.
Choose Modern Blankets: Opt for newer, high-quality blankets with safety features like automatic shut-off and national testing agency certifications (e.g., UL).
Use It Flat: Always spread the blanket flat. Never fold it, bunch it up, or tuck it under the mattress while it's on.
Keep Cords Safe: Ensure cords are not pinched between the mattress and bed frame or placed under rugs where they can be damaged.
Avoid Layering: Do not use another blanket or a heating pad on top of the electric blanket, as this can trap heat.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

While electric blankets offer comforting warmth, it's essential to recognize the associated disadvantages, including safety hazards like fire and burns, health concerns such as sleep disruption and EMF exposure, and risks for specific populations. By understanding these drawbacks and implementing safe practices—such as preheating the bed and turning the blanket off—users can mitigate most of the risks. Weighing the convenience of an electric blanket against its potential dangers is key to ensuring both warmth and safety for a peaceful night's sleep. To learn more about safely using home electrical devices, consider reviewing information from reliable sources like UL Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts generally advise against sleeping with an electric blanket on all night. The primary recommendation is to use it to preheat your bed and turn it off before you go to sleep to avoid risks like overheating, fire hazards, and sleep cycle disruption.

Yes, older electric blankets (over 10 years old) are more likely to cause fires. Their internal wiring and insulation can deteriorate over time, increasing the risk of short circuits and overheating. It's best to replace old blankets with a newer model that includes modern safety features like automatic shut-off.

Electric blankets emit low-level electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While there is no definitive scientific consensus on long-term health effects, some individuals prefer to minimize exposure as a precaution. Choosing a low-voltage blanket or using it only for preheating can help reduce exposure.

Certain groups should avoid electric blankets or use them with extreme caution. This includes pregnant women (due to overheating risks), infants, young children, individuals with diabetes or reduced sensation, and those with limited mobility.

Most modern pacemakers are well-shielded against EMFs from household appliances. However, pacemaker users should consult their doctor and avoid placing the blanket directly over the pacemaker site as a precaution. Opting for a low-voltage blanket or preheating the bed is often recommended.

To prevent burns, always ensure the blanket is spread flat and not bunched up. Avoid placing heavy items on top of it. It's also safer to use it on a low setting or only for preheating, especially if you have reduced heat sensitivity.

The safest way to use an electric blanket is to buy a new, certified model with an auto-shutoff feature, inspect it regularly for damage, and use it only to preheat your bed before you get in. Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for usage and care.