In Florida, when the seasons turn colder, temperatures hover between the cozy mid-50s and low 70s. This consistently mild climate often leads Sarasota residents to forego heavy heating and insulation. So, when Floridians say they're freezing, it might not actually be freezing, but to them, it sure feels like it.
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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.
Pros of a Heated Blanket
1. Saves Energy
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.
2. Improves Your Mood
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.
3. Relieves Pain
A known remedy for aches and pains is to apply heat. The heat produced from a heated blanket can help lower tightness in the muscles and reduce cramps.
While heated blankets are not made to ease major pains, they can promote blood flow in the body which can help with some minor aches, pains, or cramps.
4. Provide Better Sleep
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.
Cons of a Heated Blanket
1. Fire Risk
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.
2. Not Washable
Did you know washing your sheets regularly can make a huge difference in how well you sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleeping in a clean room with clean bedding improves sleep quality by 19% compared to those who don't. One drawback of using a heated blanket is that they are not washable.
Since people spend six to eight hours in their beds every night, which means it's important to keep the bedding clean. However, washing a heated blanket can be problematic as the wiring can be damaged if exposed to water or put through a washing cycle, potentially rendering the blanket useless.
To overcome this issue, it is recommended to use a removable cover over the blanket. This way, you can wash the cover separately without worrying about damaging the internal wiring of the blanket.
3. Not Always Pet-Friendly
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. 
