While electric blankets can be a great addition to beds in winter, they’re not for everybody. Luckily, there are some great alternative ways to keep warm at night without using an electric blanket.

We've compiled a list of great options below, as well as some tips and tricks to increase the warmth of your bed and make sure you stay warm in colder temperatures.

Why you might not be able to use an electric blanket

Electric blankets are a fantastic option for winter and will keep you toasty as you get into bed. However, not everybody wants to use or can use an electric blanket, so it’s great to look at other alternatives to staying warm.

For example, electric blankets could pose a risk to those who are unable to regulate their body temperature properly. They have the potential to cause overheating, especially for infants, the elderly, and those with diabetes. Those who are immobile would also be better off using an alternative. 

Six alternatives to electric blankets

If you can’t use an electric blanket, you might be left with the conundrum of how to keep your bed warm in the cold winter months. 

To help you out, we've compiled a list of 6 great options to help you stay warm this winter!

1 - Heated throws

Heated throws are a great alternative to electric blankets and will keep you just as warm. These blankets are cheap to run and are ideal for snuggling under on the sofa or draping over yourself as you work from home.

Electric heated throws are used differently than more traditional electric under blankets. Other electric blankets are placed on top of your bed underneath the top sheet and will be secured to your mattress with straps. However, an electric throw goes on top of your bedding, or you can use it like a normal blanket on a sofa. 

Some of our favourite heated throws include the Slumberdown Elegantly Warm Luxury Heated Throw and the Slumberdown Comfy Hugs Heated Throw. Both come with 9 different heat settings and a timer function, offering you complete control over your comfort.

2 - Wool duvets

It might not be your first thought, but wool duvets are fantastic at keeping you warm and comfortable as you sleep. Wool fibres are made up of different layers, creating pockets of trapped air which circulate heat during the night. 

These incredible natural duvets are breathable and always adjust to your body temperature, keeping you comfy. To enhance the effect of your wool duvet, it’s great to use it in conjunction with other wool bedding like wool pillows and wool mattress toppers. 

The Slumberdown Wonderful Wool Duvet comes in light, medium and heavy weights and various sizes ranging from single to super king size duvets.

Read more - The Ultimate Guide To Wool Duvets

3 - Weighted blankets

Even though weighted blankets are typically used to help with mental health conditions, including anxiety and well-being, they can also be a great way to keep warm. 

They are thick and cosy, but more importantly, they are heavy. This inadvertently helps you to feel warmer and makes them less likely to shift while you're sleeping, preventing your extremities from being exposed to the cold during the night.

We have both adult weighted blankets and weighted blankets for children, so everybody can stay cosy and feel soothed as they sleep. 

4 - Warm duvets

Never underestimate the power of a warm, fluffy duvet! If you're feeling the chill, chances are that you're not using a duvet that is the right tog for the season.

Tog is the unit used for measuring the warmth provided by various blankets and duvets. The higher the number, the warmer the item. For example, 4.5 tog duvets are ideal for summer, while 13.5 tog duvets and 15 tog duvets are better in winter. 

Duvet technology has come a long way, and there are some fantastic options available to consider.

There are lots of great winter duvets to choose from, including:

5 - Mattress toppers

While a duvet keeps you warm from above, mattress toppers will keep you warm from underneath. Investing in a high-quality topper will give you a luxuriously comfortable and cosy night's sleep.

Not only are they good for adding comfort, but they can also improve the support offered by your mattress.

A machine-washable and non-allergenic mattress topper is an excellent addition to any bed - something like the Snuggledown Luxurious Hotel Medium Support Mattress Topper will drastically improve your night's sleep.

You could also consider a warming mattress topper like the Snuggledown Intelligent Warmth Heated Topper. This wonderful topper combines the warmth of an electric blanket with the comfort of a soft mattress topper. 

6 - Mattress protectors

Mattress protectors are a very worthwhile investment. Not only do they provide your mattress with protection, but they can also add more comfort. 

Choosing a quilted mattress protector will increase your mattress's comfort levels and add to your bed's cosiness, helping you keep warm during cold winter nights.

There are some great options to consider during the winter months:

Additional tips for staying warm

If you combine the tips below with the alternatives listed above, you are guaranteed a super snuggly night in a warm bed.

Warm pyjamas

Investing in a few sets of warm pyjamas will revolutionise your winter nights. Flannel or cotton fleece sets are a great option, as well as thermal pyjamas. Natural fibres are advised as they are better for the skin and tend to be more moisture-wicking than artificial fabrics.

Flannel bed linen

Choosing brushed cotton or flannel sheeting for your bed linen increases your warmth and comfort on those chilly nights. Having winter bed linen and summer bed linen is a great idea and will ensure that you're warm in the winter months and cool in summer.

Hot water bottle

As a tried and tested way of warming beds in winter, a hot water bottle is a simple and effective option to add to your nighttime routine.

There are a variety of options available nowadays. There are microwaveable beanbags, the original rubber hot water bottles, and rechargeable heating pads.

Choose the option that best suits your budget and circumstances, and ensure that you have toasty toes throughout the winter months. However, you should not use a hot water bottle with an electric blanket or heated throw.

Warm drink before bed

A warm, non-caffeinated beverage before bed will warm your body and help you stay warm during the night.

A comforting cup of chai, chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk will also assist in calming your body and mind, helping you to fall asleep faster and to have a more restful night.

Cuddle buddy

Body heat is another great way to stay warm at night - cuddling up to your partner will help both of you to stay warm and maintain a good level of body heat.

If you don't have a special someone to cuddle up to, a furry friend can easily fill the void - they're good at invading your personal space and acting as a hot water bottle! You could even buy them their own pet bedding to keep them cosy. 

Alternatively, a high-quality body pillow such as the Slumberdown Body Support Pillow will also work. Not only can they help you adjust your sleeping position to one that is better for your back, but they also create a snug little nest in your bed and will help keep your body temperature from dropping too much.

Wear socks to bed

While this may seem like an old-fashioned tip, it really does work. Wearing a pair of warm, thick socks to bed helps you regulate your body heat. Cold extremities can make the whole body feel cold, which will negatively impact your sleep. 

FAQs about electric blanket alternatives 

What can I use to warm up my bed?

An electric blanket is a great way to warm your bed in the winter. However, this is not an option for everyone.

The best alternative to an electric blanket is a hot water bottle combined with a high-quality winter duvet and quilted mattress topper or protector. This will ensure that you and your bed stay warm through the night.

How can I stay warm without an electric blanket?

There are many ways to stay warm without an electric blanket. Great electric blanket alternatives are a high-quality winter duvet with a high tog rating, hot water bottles, a body pillow, and snuggly winter pyjamas.

Having a warm drink before going to sleep will also help you to keep warm without an electric blanket. Chamomile tea or a glass of warm milk is the best choice. Taking a hot shower before climbing into bed is another way to help you stay warm and have a good night's sleep.

What is the warmest blanket material?

Fleece blankets are the best choice if you want to be warm and snuggly in the winter. Adding a fleece blanket to your bed and your high-tog winter duvet will result in a toasty night's sleep without needing an electric blanket.

Wool is also an excellent material for blankets. They are very warm, and natural fibres are always a good option.

Can adding more blankets to your bed keep you as warm as electric blankets do?

Electric blankets can definitely be replaced by adding more blankets on top of your duvet. Using hot water bottles in conjunction with this will add extra heat to your bed without adding extra weight.

Keep yourself warm in winter with Sleepseeker.

There are many alternative ways to warm your bed without an electric blanket. Combining a variety of options, such as hot water bottles, warm winter duvets, and regular blankets, there is no doubt that you'll have a very snug and comfortable sleep.At Sleepseeker, we have a range of warm bedding which is perfect for colder weather, including pillows, duvets, and pillow protectors.