Introduction

Many people enjoy sleeping under a blanket, especially during the colder months. However, there have been concerns about the risks of suffocating under a blanket while sleeping. In this article, we will explore the truth about whether or not you can suffocate under a blanket and what you can do to prevent it.

Risks of Sleeping Under a Blanket

While it is possible to suffocate under a blanket, the risk is relatively low. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the risk of suffocation from blankets is highest for infants under 12 months old. This is because infants are not able to move the blanket away from their face if it covers their nose and mouth.

For adults and older children, the risk of suffocation from blankets is much lower. However, there are still some risks to be aware of. If a blanket is too heavy or too thick, it can make it difficult to breathe. Additionally, if a person is sleeping in an awkward position or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may not be able to move the blanket away from their face if it covers their nose and mouth.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of suffocation from blankets, there are several things you can do:

• Do not use blankets in a crib or bassinet for infants under 12 months old.
• Use lightweight blankets that are not too thick or heavy.
• Make sure the blanket is not covering your face while you sleep.
• Avoid sleeping in awkward positions or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Consider using a sleep sack or other alternative to blankets.

Conclusion

While the risk of suffocating under a blanket is relatively low for adults and older children, it is still important to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent them. By using lightweight blankets, making sure the blanket is not covering your face, and avoiding sleeping in awkward positions or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can reduce the risk of suffocation from blankets while sleeping.