There are times when you feel like you just can’t relieve your stomach pain. This pain might make it impossible for you to comfortably fall asleep.
Is it Bad to Sleep With a Heating Pad on Your Stomach?
It is not suggested to use an electric heating pad on your stomach while sleeping. There will always be some danger in allowing an electric-powered device to run while not under your observation. This safety precaution is advised because any electric device could potentially overheat and start a fire.
Additionally, having a heating pad on intense heat for a prolonged period can cause burns. Electric heating pads can reach an average temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than high enough to result in second-degree burns with extended use.
Electric heating pads are recommended to be used in intervals of 15 to 20 minutes to best decrease inflammation. This rule is useful to follow to avoid being burned and to increase blood flow through the affected area.
Who Should Be Careful While Using Heating Pads?
- Pregnant women
- The elderly
- Infants and small children
Pregnant women should avoid overly elevating their body temperature, and they should talk with their doctors before using a heating pad.
People with soft or sensitive skin like children and the elderly should also be more careful while using a heating pad as they are at a higher risk of being burned. It is not recommended to use a heating pad on infants.
What are the Benefits of a Heating Pad?
Despite having risks, heating pads can be extremely beneficial in achieving pain relief when used correctly. Heating pads are most useful for aches, tension, and cramps. Adding heat to the site of your pain can help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.
For women especially, a heating pad might be the best way to get through the month when experiencing cramps. So how can we make an electric heating pad a little safer to use?
It is strongly advised to place a towel between the heating pad and your skin to decrease the chances of being burned by the heating pad device. Setting a timer on your phone to remind you when it is time to remove the heating pad will also lower your chance of developing a burn.
If you’re also curious about the links between using heating pads and weight loss, click here.
Alternatives to Electric Heating Pads
- Taking a warm bath or shower
- Using a microwavable heating pad
- Using a cloth soaked in warm water
If you or someone you know falls into one of the categories of people who should be careful while using heating pads, it doesn’t mean that there are no heat treatment options for you. There are a wide variety of ways that you can use heat to create relief.
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Taking a warm bath or shower is a great way to relieve tension. Soaking in a warm bath or resting in a shower for twenty minutes will achieve similar results to a heating pad, although it is unlikely you will be able to use this method multiple times throughout the day.
Another option is to purchase a microwavable heating pad to place on your stomach or other affected area. Adversely, you can try using a cloth soaked in warm water and wrung until it’s damp to lay on yourself for pain relief. These options will be more viable for a person who is nervous about falling asleep with an electric heating pad on as the heat will eventually fade with time instead of creating a continuous, intense heat.
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- SAFE, EFFECTIVE RELIEF: Our microwavable hot pad can be effortlessly used for pain relief virtually anywhere on your body. Our moist heating pad allows you to achieve neck, shoulder, elbow, knee, stomach, and lower back pain relief easily, safely, and conveniently, all without the unwelcome side effects of medication. If you prefer cold therapy for injuries, bruises, or swelling, simply throw our cooling pad in your freezer. It's perfect for joints, muscles, and cramps!
Summing it Up
Heating pads can be extremely beneficial in treating pain relief if used in the correct manner, but it is never safe to use them while sleeping. Heating pads are only intended to be used in short intervals as they can cause burns.
If you fall into one of the categories of people who are most at risk of being burned by an electric heating pad, then there are alternatives that might be right for you. Some of these alternatives will also be much safer to use while sleeping and are the best suggestions for those of you who are trying to beat the stomach pain and get a good night’s sleep.
