Why shouldn't mugwort patches be used while sleeping?

Under normal circumstances, moxibustion patches should not be used during sleep, which may be related to avoiding allergic reactions, affecting sleep quality, duration of use and effectiveness, risk of burns, and respiratory irritation. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Avoiding Allergic Reactions

Some chemical components in moxibustion patches, such as volatile oils and artemisinin, may irritate the skin during nighttime sleep—when bodily awareness is reduced—and could even develop into severe contact dermatitis.

2. Impact on Sleep Quality

Applying moxibustion patches during sleep may cause discomfort due to excessive stimulation of the skin and tissues, thereby interfering with high-quality rest. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only during appropriate waking hours.

3. Duration of Use and Effectiveness

The recommended usage time for moxibustion patches is generally 6 to 8 hours per application. Continuous use during sleep may result in overly strong or prolonged effects, which could be detrimental to health.

4. Risk of Burns

Moxibustion patches generate warmth through heating. However, improper temperature control—especially during unconscious sleep—may lead to burns from prolonged skin exposure to high temperatures.

5. Respiratory Irritation

The odor released when moxibustion patches are heated may be too strong for some individuals. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may experience discomfort upon inhaling these fumes.

When using moxibustion patches, keep the skin clean and dry, and avoid applying them to the same area for extended periods to prevent allergic reactions or discomfort.