Sleeping With A Blanket Over Your Head In Winter – Is It Safe?

The colder months often make it challenging for many people to leave their bed in the morning. One may feel reluctant to get out of their cosy and comfy blanket. During the winter nights, many people have this tendency to sleep with a blanket over their head. This is done mainly because people want to feel warm – from head to toe – while sleeping. But can this cosy winter habit might cost you your health? Yes, we are serious. While sleeping with your head covered in a blanket may seem harmless, it may have a negative impact on your health. Would you like to know how? Then you must read this article till the end.

To get an expert view on this topic, the editorial team of Only My Health reached out to Dr Brunda MS, Sr Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Let’s take a look at what she has to say about this.

Is It Safe To Sleep With A Blanket Covering Your Head?

Cosying up with a blanket on a winter night sounds ideal. But is it risky to cover your head completely with it while sleeping? Our expert answers.

Dr Brunda MS explains, “Sleeping with a blanket covering your face during winter is not safe. When your face is fully covered, it becomes harder to breathe properly, and the air you inhale may have less oxygen and more carbon dioxide. This can make you feel dizzy, sleepy, or even cause serious health problems in extreme cases.”

She adds, “Instead, it is better to keep your face exposed while using a blanket to cover your body. You can wear a warm scarf or a sleep mask to protect your nose and mouth if you feel very cold. Always ensure fresh air can circulate around your face while sleeping.”

On this note, the expert lists down the possible risks of sleeping with a blanket covering your face during winter:

• When your face is covered, the air you breathe may have less oxygen and more carbon dioxide, which can make you feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath.
• It can also increase the risk of suffocation, especially in children or people with breathing problems.
• Covering your face can trap heat and moisture, leading to skin irritation or rashes.
• Overheating while sleeping can disturb your sleep and affect your heart and brain health.
• It can also worsen conditions like asthma or sleep apnea. To stay safe, keep your face uncovered while sleeping and use the blanket only to cover your body.

Also Read: Why Sleeping Next To Your Partner Is Good For Your Health

How This Habit Harms Your Skin And Breathing

The main negative impact of sleeping with a blanket covering your face is that it impacts your breathing. “Breathing under a blanket can reduce the amount of fresh air you get and increase carbon dioxide, making it harder for your lungs to get enough oxygen. This can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, or tiredness. People with asthma or other breathing problems may feel worse. To protect your skin and lungs, it is best to keep your face uncovered while sleeping,” shares Dr Brunda MS.

But not just breathing, this habit may not be good for your skin as well. “This can harm your skin. When your face is covered, heat and moisture get trapped, making your skin wet and warm, which can cause irritation, rashes, or acne. The constant contact with the blanket can also make your skin red or sensitive,” says the expert.

Are There Any Positives Of Sleeping With A Blanket Over Your Head?

Those who prefer sleeping this way during winter, we have bad news. As already explained, this habit is not safe for health. Now, to break your last strand of hope, let us be clear – it has no such benefits.

“Sleeping with a blanket covering your face during winter can have a few minor benefits, but they come with risks. It can help you feel warmer, especially if the room is very cold, and can create a cosy, enclosed feeling that some people find comforting. Covering your face may also reduce exposure to cold air and drafts, which can help prevent a runny nose or dry skin in winter,” says the expert.

“Some people feel it helps them sleep better by blocking out light and creating a sense of security. However, these benefits are small compared to the health risks, such as reduced oxygen, overheating, and breathing difficulties. It is safer to keep your face uncovered and use the blanket only over your body,” concludes Dr Brunda MS.

Also Read: Sleep Positions That Help (or Hurt) Your Spine, Expert Lists

The Final Word

Some people prefer sleeping by covering themselves head-to-toe with a blanket during winter. But this habit is not good for your health. It may cause breathing issues, affect your skin health, disturb your sleep and even has a risk of suffocation, among other health issues. Thus, it is advised to cover only your body with a blanket.