Can an Electric Blanket Dehydrate You? Yes, Here’s How

Electric blankets are warm and cozy, but are they cozy enough to dehydrate you? If you sleep with an electric blanket, you could be at risk of drying your skin. However, these heated blankets have also been known to make people extremely thirsty after long periods of exposure.

An electric blanket can dehydrate you because it causes perspiration that removes moisture from your body. It’s important to limit your heated blanket usage to 20 minutes per hour. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids while wearing an electric blanket.

If you’re worried about being dehydrated by your electric blanket, it’s important to know when enough is enough. Don’t wear the blanket for extended periods of time. Below, we’ll cover several other causes and solutions related to heated blanket dehydration.

Why Do Electric Blankets Make You Feel Dehydrated?

Wearing an electric blanket for several hours in a row can make you dehydrated. These blankets are incredibly warm, so they strip the fluids from your body. If you’re sweating while wearing a heated blanket, you know it’s time to take it off.

Another symptom that it’s time to remove your electric blanket is if your skin feels dry. Space heaters dry out your skin, but it’s much less noticeable when you’re using a heated blanket. These blankets make you sweat, which could make it seem like your skin is hydrated.

Consider these tips to stop your electric blanket from dehydrating you:

• Don’t use a heated blanket for longer than 20 to 30 minutes in a row. Most electric blanket companies recommend limiting your usage to 15 to 20 minutes, though some let you use them for up to 30 minutes. Remember that these are maximum limits, so you should honestly stick to a bit less time.
• Use a tower fan to blow cold air and prevent excessive amounts of sweat. Tower fans and air conditioners will also stop your skin from getting too dry. You can also keep a humidifier in the room. However, you should drink a glass of water before or after wearing an electric blanket.
• Never use additional blankets above or below your heated blanket. These blankets aren’t designed to be layered. Stacking electric blankets can cause fires, overheating, and dehydration. The electric cord should always be above any sheets, blankets, or pillows.

Do Electric Blankets Make You Thirsty?

Electric blankets make you thirsty because they dehydrate you. The best way to prevent a heated blanket from making you feel thirsty is to drink eight ounces of water before wearing the blanket. Keep fluids away from the electric blanket to prevent fire hazards.

That’s not to say that all electric blankets will make you feel ridiculously thirsty every time you wear them. Much like heating pads, many people have no problem staying hydrated with heated blankets. Limiting your exposure is one of the best preventative suggestions.

Are Electric Blankets Unhealthy?

Electric blankets are healthy when used properly. However, they’re not recommended for people with skin conditions, circulation problems, and many other health issues. It’s best to consult a medical professional prior to using an electric blanket, heating pad, or space heater.

Here’s why electric blankets can be unhealthy for some people:

• Some electric blankets catch on fire if they’re used improperly. Healthline claims that 99% of electric blanket fires are caused by blankets that are over 10 years old. While fires in heated blankets less than a decade old are extremely rare, it’s important not to use them longer than suggested.
• Prolonged heated blanket usage can burn your skin. After they strip the moisture from your skin, electric blankets can burn and flake the top layer. These blankets often get up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 Celsius), making them scorching hot after half an hour or so.
• SFGate shows Electric blankets aren’t recommended for pregnant people. Not only do electric blankets release radiation, but they can also cause excessive heat buildup. While the low levels of radiation don’t cause concerns for adults, it’s not worth risking it when you’re pregnant.

This all might sound scary, but electric blankets have been healthily used for quite some time. Proper storage and safe usage will prevent burns, fires, dehydration, discomfort, and injuries. These instances are increasingly rare, but it’s best to know all of the possibilities before getting an electric blanket.

Consider these five guidelines to stay healthy and hydrated when using an electric blanket:

1. Ask your doctor if your medical conditions prevent you from using a heated blanket.
2. Remove the electric blanket if you start sweating or your mouth and skin feel dry.
3. Don’t layer electric blankets with heating pads.
4. Heat your bed with your electric blanket, turn it off after half an hour, remove it, then lay on the heated spot to stay warm without having to touch the blanket.
5. Take off the heated blanket if you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable in any way.

Are Heated Blankets Bad for Circulation?

Heated blankets are bad for circulation if you have blood circulation problems. People with blood circulation issues might not be able to feel the increasing temperatures, which means they’re at a higher risk of getting burned. The same applies to people with nerve damage.

One way to work around this is to get a heated blanket with a thermostat. Ask your doctor how high you can set the electric blanket’s temperature, then keep it on that setting whenever you want to use it. You should remove the blanket after 20 to 30 minutes, regardless of how hot it gets.

The Vremi Electric Blanket lets you set the exact temperature and time length. This 50″ x 60″ heated blanket comes in multiple colors, all of which have an LCD screen to monitor the thermostat. Remove and wash the cover without damaging the electrical components.

People with low blood pressure could feel lightheaded after standing up when wearing a heated blanket. Remove the blanket and sit for a couple of minutes before walking around. If you feel too uncomfortable, avoid using an electric blanket.