Use a hot water bottle A hot water bottle is a great way to keep your bed warm and cosy. The heat will radiate through the bed, keeping you warm all night long. You can also use a hot water bottle to preheat your sheets. Simply place the bottle in your bed for a few minutes before getting in.
Layers are a good idea as they trap warm air, which will keep you warm. Electric blankets/duvets are good for adding some extra heat to your bed, and they will maintain the heat through the night. You can buy ones under your bottom sheet to heat the bed before you get into it. Use a hot water bottle.
This is all to do with insulation and temperature conductivity. The sheets are cold and thin and pressed right up against your skin, so they suck the heat right out of you.
The best alternative to an electric blanket is a hot water bottle combined with a high-quality winter duvet and quilted mattress topper or protector. This will ensure that you and your bed stay warm through the night.
Sleeping in a cold room is okay as long as you're comfortable with the temperature. If you're healthy, the crisp air is unlikely to make you sick. Instead, sleeping in a cold room has many benefits like reduced insomnia symptoms, better melatonin production, and deeper sleep.
Summary. Electric blankets are designed to create a warm and cozy bed, but are not recommended for overnight use. They are safe for short term use, and although unlikely, they have the potential to overheat if used incorrectly or for a prolonged period.
For cold feet, wear thick socks and preferably cosy slippers with a good grip too. Wear warm clothes in bed and wear non-slip bed socks. Don't stand outside for long periods of time, as you can quickly get a chill. If you have a heart or respiratory problem, stay indoors during very cold weather.
One blanket will trap plenty of hot air between itself and your body, but another blanket will create another layer of warmth. This will give you plenty of heat in the winter.
Wear clothing to combat the cold
Consider a nice pair of pyjamas or a large T-shirt, but make sure they are loose fitting and breathable. Instead of choosing clothing made from synthetic materials, pick the ones made from natural fibres such as wool, cotton or silk, as these offer more warmth in winter.
Electric blankets are a potential risk for skin burns and even starting a fire, especially when outdated, not maintained, or used correctly. They can cause damage to skin and internal organs when heating up to peak temperatures.
A study found that an increased core temperature can cause a significant decline in sleep efficiency – the total time a person is asleep in bed. This can occur by creating a continuously heated environment, interfering with our body's sleep cycles.
But is it safe to sleep with a heating pad? For your own safety, you should not fall asleep while using a heating pad. Extended use of heat or ice on your body can actually cause more harm than help. If you're using a heating pad to treat an injury, you likely don't want to add a severe burn on top of that!
Mattress Pads for Static Warmth
Unlike heated blankets, mattress pads remain in one place at all times, providing consistent warmth that radiates from underneath the body throughout the night.
As well as being great bed warmers, the heat from hot water bottles can help to stimulate circulation and blood flow in the body. This type of heat therapy can give pain relief for persistent muscle aches or joint pains, such as neck and shoulder pain or arthritis.
Leaky ductwork is the number one cause of under-heated or cooled rooms inside homes. Cracks, gaps, and holes in the ductwork leading from room to room can cause a significant amount of air to be lost. The only way to remedy this is by patching your ductwork.
Sleeping with socks on can improve circulation. However, if the socks you wear are too constrictive and tight, it could cause a decrease in blood flow. If your socks aren't breathable, it could prevent the release of heat from your body. Poor hygiene could also occur with wearing socks at night.
Blood vessels become constricted, breathing becomes shallow and it puts extra pressure on our cardiovascular system to get our body temperatures regulated again, she adds. If your bedroom temperature is lower than 60° F, it's too cold.
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.