In Florida, “cold” has a different meaning. When the seasons shift, temperatures usually stay between the mid-50s and low 70s, mild by most standards. Because Sarasota residents rarely need heavy heating or insulation, even a slight chill feels dramatic. So when Floridians say they’re freezing, it may not be literal, but it certainly feels that way to them.
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If you're looking to keep warm and snug on Sarasota’s chilliest nights, heated blankets have become a must-have bedtime accessory. Before you make the decision to invest in one, it's important to be well-informed about the advantages and disadvantages of using a heated blanket.
One of the benefits of having a heated blanket is that they are energy-efficient. They can provide you warmth without having to turn up the thermostat, especially during the winter.
They may not heat the entire room, but they do use enough energy to make you stay warm at night. You can save a bit more money by buying higher-quality blankets that are thicker. These blankets are faster to heat up and can stay warm long after being turned off.
Along with that, many come with an auto-off feature so you don’t have to worry about the blanket overheating after you fall asleep or running all night long.
Sleeping with a heated blanket can boost your mood because the warmth acts as a natural sleep aid that calms your body and mind.
Your body uses a lot of energy to stay warm and, as a result, you may feel stressed or anxious on cold nights. Heated blankets help lower the amount of energy the body needs to keep a consistent temperature.
Applying heat is a well-known way to soothe sore muscles and relieve tension. Heated blankets provide gentle, consistent warmth that can help loosen tight muscles and ease minor cramps.
While they aren’t a substitute for medical treatment or designed to address serious pain, heated blankets can improve blood circulation, which may help reduce everyday aches and stiffness. Curling up under one after a long day can promote comfort and relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay rested.
Another reason why you should have a heated blanket is that it can create a better quality of sleep. Changes in temperature can interrupt your sleep and cause you to toss and turn all night.
You can also be pulled from a deep sleep which leads to headaches, grogginess, and fatigue. A heated blanket keeps the temperature consistent, so your sleep cycle will not be disrupted.
Just like any electrical appliance, heated blankets can be a fire hazard. Fortunately, newer blankets often have an automatic shut-off mechanism to prevent them from overheating. But you should be cautious because older blankets may not have this feature. So make sure you do not accidentally leave a heated blanket turned on when you are not using it or when you fall asleep.
Sleeping in clean bedding can improve sleep quality by 19 percent, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Heated blankets, however, are not easily washable.
Since we spend six to eight hours in bed each night, keeping bedding clean matters. Washing a heated blanket can damage its wiring and ruin it. A removable cover solves this problem, letting you wash the cover without harming the blanket.
Experts suggest that sleeping with a pet in your bed has various benefits. Many pets will love to snuggle up with the warmth of a heated blanket and using one can actually help relax agitated or excited animals, but you should be aware that heated blankets do pose some risk to your furry friends if they decide to claw, scratch, or chew on the blanket while it’s on.
In Sarasota's climate, it can be tough to find the perfect temperature for falling asleep. The best mattress and bedding for Sarasota's fickle weather must be able to keep you cool in the blazing hot summers and help you warm up when temperatures drop.
Come and visit Land of Sleep, our local mattress store located in Sarasota and Venice, for a wide variety of mattresses and get the good night's sleep you deserve! To achieve the ultimate sleep experience, download our guide to better sleep.