Having a fever often makes you feel cold and shivery. Your first instinct may be to pile on the blankets to stay warm and cozy. But is sleeping with a blanket actually a good idea if you have a fever? Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of using a blanket when you have a fever.
The Pros of Sleeping with a Blanket When You Have a Fever
There are some potential benefits to sleeping with a blanket if you have a fever:
- Blankets can help you feel more comfortable – Feeling chilled is a common symptom when you have a fever. Sleeping with a warm blanket can provide some comfort and help stop those shivers.
- Blankets trap body heat – Blankets serve as insulation to trap your body heat close to you. This can help raise your body temperature slightly.
- Sweating can help reduce a fever – One way your body works to fight a fever is by sweating to cool you down. Sleeping with a blanket may make you sweat more, which can help lower your temperature.
- The warmth may help you sleep – Shivering and chills can make it hard to fall asleep or get enough rest when you have a fever. The cozy warmth from a blanket can help you relax and sleep more soundly.
So in some cases, the extra warmth provided by a blanket may be beneficial when you have a fever.
The Cons of Sleeping with a Blanket When You Have a Fever
However, there are also some potential downsides to using a blanket if you have a fever:
- May raise body temperature too high – While a slight increase in body temperature from a blanket can be helpful, allowing your temperature to get too high is not advised. This places extra stress on your body as it works hard to lower your fever.
- Can lead to dehydration – Fevers cause heavy sweating, which can result in dehydration. Sleeping with a blanket may exacerbate fluid loss through sweating.
- Traps in heat and germs – Blankets can trap heat, sweat and germs – not ideal when you’re already fighting an infection and fever.
- Can feel too hot or cause night sweats – As your fever spikes and drops throughout the night, a blanket may start to feel uncomfortably hot and cause drenching night sweats.
- May disturb sleep – Frequently kicking off an on a blanket through the night as your fever fluctuates can lead to broken, poor quality sleep.
So blankets do come with some cautions if you have a higher fever or feel yourself getting hot, sweaty and dehydrated.
Tips for Sleeping with a Fever
If you want to sleep with a blanket when feverish, here are some tips to do so more safely and comfortably:
- Use only a light blanket – Choose a thin, breathable blanket instead of heavier bedding.
- Lower room temperature – Keep your bedroom cooler to prevent overheating under a blanket.
- Use moisture-wicking sheets and pajamas – This pulls sweat away from your skin for faster evaporation.
- Keep hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost from sweating.
- Take a fever reducer before bed – Medications can help lower your temperature at night.
- Remove blanket if you get too hot – Listen to your body and kick off the blanket if you start to feel sweaty or overheated.
- Try a cooling blanket – Some blankets are designed to help absorb and dissipate body heat.
- Take a lukewarm bath before bed – This can help lower your core temp before you get under a blanket.
Following these tips can allow you to sleep with a blanket more safely when running a fever. But always listen to your body and remove the blanket if you feel too hot.
Who Should Avoid Blankets with a Fever?
Certain groups may need to be more cautious about using a blanket when they have a fever:
- Infants and young children – Babies and toddlers can overheat easily. Use only a light blanket or none at all.
- Elderly individuals – Older adults don’t regulate body temperature as well. Avoid overheating.
- Pregnant women – Changes in hormone levels and circulation make pregnant women more heat sensitive.
- Anyone with a very high fever – Those with a fever over 103°F could raise their temp to dangerous levels.
- Those with heat sensitivity disorders – Such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.
- People taking certain medications – Some prescriptions affect temperature regulation.
For these groups, it’s often recommended to avoid blankets or opt for just a sheet when feverish. Consult your doctor for specific guidance.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to use a blanket when you have a fever depends on several factors. For many adults with a mild to moderate fever, a light blanket can provide some comfort without negatively impacting the fever. However, a blanket could pose problems if it causes you to overheat, sweat excessively or disturbs your sleep. Those most vulnerable to risks from overheating should avoid sleeping with blankets when feverish. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and adjust your blanket through the night as needed for the safest sleep.