All people are different and our bedtime rituals differ, but we have one thing in common – we cover ourselves with a blanket (or more of them) when we’re in bed. Getting under the covers is one thing, but many people love sleeping with a blanket over the head. If you also have a habit to do that, this article lists all the reasons why you should stop.
It’s in Human Nature to Cover During Sleep
When was the last time you went to bed without covering yourself with a blanket or other type of covering? The answer is most likely – NEVER. It seems odd to go to bed without getting under a blanket like it’s some sort of an unwritten rule.
One paper explored sleeping arrangements worldwide and it also included some foraging and non-foraging people who live in hot climates near the equator. Results showed that only nomadic foragers regularly sleep without any coverings. All other people across the globe use blankets, duvets, or other covering types when they sleep.
Blankets aren’t just protecting us from the cold, they can be therapeutic too. Tucking yourself into a warm, fuzzy blanket can be a wonderful way to manage stress and anxiety. That said, you should still avoid covering yourself over the head. Why? Here are some of many reasons to break this habit.
1. Brain Damage
This is not a joke; covering your head while sleeping can contribute to brain damage. Evidence shows that 23% of people who sleep with their head under the covers develop dementia. Dementia is a term that refers to a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and millions of people are affected by it. The reason why people who cover their head while sleeping are at a higher risk of dementia is restricted airflow through mouth and nose. That way, you’re not getting enough fresh air that your brain needs to function properly. When happened over a long period of time, it could lead to these unwanted consequences.
2. Unclean Air
Even when you sleep, the body and brain still need air. However, when you’re covered by a duvet or blankets (or whatever you use), you don’t inhale clean or fresh air because you create a womb-like residence under the covers. As a result, you inhale dirt, dust, and bacteria that are buried underneath your blanket. Basically, this seemingly innocent habit creates a dust-filled bubble for your breathing. Not appealing!
3. Difficult to Fall Asleep
Covering your head may impair quality of sleep and lead to insomnia, yet another common sleep problem in the United States and other parts of the world. How does this habit contribute to insomnia? It could be down to overeating. Although it’s probably comfortable to be tucked in like a burrito, some people may find it difficult to sleep when they’re feeling too warm or even sweating. Plus, it could be also difficult to sleep when covers over your head don’t allow you to breathe properly.
See also: Best Tea for Sleep Insomnia
4. Suffocation Risk
Even though covering your head while sleeping may seem incredibly comfortable, it carries certain risks too. One of these risks is suffocation, particularly if you already have some underlying condition such as asthma, sleep apnea, or cardiac disease. People who have these conditions, including some type of lung disease, are at a higher risk of suffocation when they cover their head while sleeping.
5. Sleep Apnea Risk
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. Figures show that 42 million Americans suffer from sleep-disorder breathing and 1 in 5 people have sleep apnea . Not only does covering the head during sleep increases risk of suffocation in persons with sleep apnea, but this habit can also trigger or increase the risk of the common sleep disorder. Why? Again, restricted airflow is to blame.
See also: Best Pulse Oximeter for Sleep Apnea
6. Lack of Alertness in Emergency Situations
The last thing you want while sleeping is to hear noises or face any sort of distraction. But, sometimes that’s necessary because it keeps you alive. Covers over your head reduce the influence of outside stimuli. In turn, you don’t hear some noises or notice any weird smells. This can be a bad thing in emergency situations including fire, break-ins, and other scenarios.
A seemingly innocent and comfortable habit of covering your head in bed can bring many risks. To avoid these unfortunate scenarios, avoid covering your head while sleeping. Your body and brain will love fresh air, especially if you have a humidifier in your room.
The post Dangers of Sleeping with a Blanket over the Head appeared first on The Sleep Holic.
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