If you suffer from soreness or muscle fatigue, you likely own a heating pad and use it fairly often. 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!
What is the Purpose of a Heating Pad?
Heat therapy is great for minor aches and pains as it opens your blood vessels and increases blood flow. This increased circulation decreases inflammation and helps your muscles heal more rapidly. All in all, these are great benefits, but as it turns out, sleeping with a heating pad on can pose some risks.
How Are Heating Pads Dangerous?
Heat therapy is meant to be used in 20-minute cycles—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—in order to achieve the best results. There’s little evidence to support the idea that using a heating pad for longer than 30 minutes has any additional benefits. In fact, leaving a heating pad on bare skin for too long (or on too high of a setting for an extended period of time) can result in minor burns.
Heating pads and electric blankets both have heating elements or coils inside that allow them to heat up. Any device that has a cord has the potential to start a fire. Thanks to advancements in technology, this risk is admittedly lower than it used to be, but the chance still exists. If you’re using a heating pad in bed, turn it off before going to sleep and make sure it’s not underneath blankets, pillows, or anything flammable.
3 Tips to Help Back Pain
If you’re using a heating pad to alleviate back pain or soreness, try some of these tips instead:
- Take a hot shower: Warm water and steam better penetrate the skin, helping the heat get deeper into your muscle tissue.
- Use a hot towel: You can soak a towel in hot water & squeeze out excess water to have a heat source that naturally cools off as you use it.
- Aromatherapy stuffed animals: This is a relatively new product with beads inside that can be frozen or warmed up in the microwave. Like a heated towel, these animals only stay warm for a certain amount of time but feature some soothing scents like lavender to help your muscles relax.
Bottom line: Heating pads are great tools for muscle aches when used correctly and are never a good substitute for heating in your home. If you’re using a heating pad at night because your heat isn’t working or isn’t working as well as it should be, give Bailey Plumbing Heating Cooling a call! Our family will take care of your family so you aren’t stuck in the cold. Contact us online or by phone at (800) 717-1793 today.
FAQs
In fact, leaving a heating pad on bare skin for too long (or on too high of a setting for an extended period of time) can result in minor burns. Heating pads and electric blankets both have heating elements or coils inside that allow them to heat up. Any device that has a cord has the potential to start a fire.
Why are you not supposed to sleep with a heating pad? ›
Using a heating pad or electric blanket while you are sleeping can pose a significant fire risk, as you may not be aware if the product overheats or malfunction. If left unattended, it could cause a fire that could result in injury or death.
What happens if you use a heating pad too much? ›
Also, keep heating pads and blankets set on the lowest setting to help prevent toasted skin syndrome. Prolonged exposure to heat sources can lead to changes in the skin's superficial blood vessels, cells and fibers, creating hyperpigmentation or discoloration. With changes to the skin cells, other problems can occur.
Is it safe to leave the heating pad on all night? ›
Do not leave your heating device unattended or use while sleeping. Always turn the device off and even unplug it before going to sleep at night. To reduce the risk of overheating and starting a fire, don't use a heating pad with an extension cord or power strip.
What is heating pad syndrome? ›
Erythema ab igne is a rash characterized by a reticulated pattern of erythema and hyperpigmentation. It is caused by repeated exposure to direct heat or infrared radiation, often from occupational exposure or the use of heating pads.
Is it bad to lay on a heating pad too long? ›
Prolonged use of hot packs and heating pads, or application of a heat source that is overly hot without a barrier on the skin, can cause contact burns.
Is it bad to sleep with a heating pad on your stomach all night? ›
There's little evidence to support the idea that using a heating pad for longer than 30 minutes has any additional benefits. In fact, leaving a heating pad on bare skin for too long (or on too high of a setting for an extended period of time) can result in minor burns.
How long can you safely use a heating pad? ›
Short durations, about 15 to 20 minutes, will suffice for minor back tension, while longer durations for up to 30 minutes, may be recommended for chronic conditions or severe, excruciating pain. It is never recommended to sleep with a heating pad.
What does a heat pad do to your body? ›
There are many benefits and uses for heating pads that can help relieve aches, pains, cramps, and muscle stiffness. Heating pads are a form of heat therapy that promotes consistent circulation throughout the body. When faced with an injury, heating pads are a great way to reduce muscle or joint discomfort.
What happens if you leave heating on all night? ›
Leaving your heating on all night may keep you warm, but it will also cause an increase in your energy bills. The best way to save money and energy is by only using your heating when you need it.
At home, there are things you can do, and things you can take, to potentially alleviate your stomach pain. A simple remedy is to place a heating pad where it hurts on your stomach. The heat relaxes your outer stomach muscles and promotes movement in the digestive tract. Lying down usually works best.
Why do heating pads make me sleepy? ›
Heat generally makes us tired and as a result, lots of water and electrolytes are taken out of our body. With this, we tend to feel a lot more tired and full of dizziness. Further, with the loss of water and essential salts, our body moves into dehydration state which makes us sleepier.
Why can't you fall asleep with a heating pad? ›
Falling asleep while using a heating pad should always be avoided. Whether it's heat or ice, for that matter, there is no need to fall asleep with either on the skin as both can cause severe and disfiguring burns. While you are sleeping, your body is doing its job of recovering.
Can a heating pad cause inflammation? ›
“Heat actually has the opposite effect of ice,” Dr. Behr says. “It causes small blood vessels to open which can stimulate inflammation rather than relieve it.” Heat treatments should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area.
Why is the heating pad making my cramps worse? ›
The rebound phenomenon occurs after about 20-30 minutes of applying the heat. At this point, the blood vessels constrict stopping oxygen and blood from flowing to the area. This means no heat can leave the cramping area and the skin is more likely to blister.
What happens if you sleep with the heating on? ›
When the heating is on, it can dry out the air, making the room stuffy and uncomfortable to sleep in. You might find that it's harder to breathe in and it could cause dry throats and nasty coughs.
Can sleeping with a heating pad cause inflammation? ›
“Heat actually has the opposite effect of ice,” Dr. Behr says. “It causes small blood vessels to open which can stimulate inflammation rather than relieve it.” Heat treatments should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area.
Is it bad to sleep with a heating pad on your period? ›
Make sure you don't fall asleep with an electric heating pad plugged in and turned on! Although heating pads are usually very safe, it's always best to be extra careful when using electric heat tools. Turn your pad off and unplug it when you aren't home and before you fall asleep.
Is sleeping on a heated mattress pad bad for you? ›
A heated mattress pad is a convenient way to stay warm overnight during colder months. They are typically safe to use but may not be suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy. They offer potential health benefits, such as improved sleep quality and pain relief.
