Cooler temperatures at night can cause our immune system to slow down. This can make you more susceptible to conditions like common cold or a dry cough. Or else, you might wake up with a sore throat. If the AC unit is not clean, it will circulate germs and other airborne contaminants like dust mites, pet dander, etc.
Exposure to AC will affect respiratory health
Sleeping in a room with the AC on can lead to respiratory problems, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to cold air or have existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies.
Continuously operating air conditioners for 24 hours will quickly clog the air filters. Before it damages the condenser coils, though, it might risk your health. Small particles of dust carried by air through a partially blocked filter have the potential to produce a slight fever and cold.
Sleeping with the AC on can also cause some physical issues, including dehydration. Having the AC on all night can dry out your nose, mouth, throat, and skin, since the unit not only cools down the air but also dehumidifies it.
Too much AC use can lead to loss of moisture from skin, hair, nose and throat. It can basically dry out the mucus membranes which then in turn lose their ability to protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Impact: Prolonged exposure to dry air can dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. This can lead to irritation and inflammation, making it easier for respiratory infections to take hold. Symptoms may include dry throat, coughing, and increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
Energy Costs and Environmental Impact: A fan is better if you're on a tight budget or value energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Noise Sensitivity: Go for a fan if you're a light sleeper or noise-sensitive. A fan's soft, consistent whirr is more soothing than an AC's intermittent noises.
The best AC temperature for sleeping
The goldilocks zone: Aim for a temperature between 18°C (64°F) and 22°C (72°F) for optimal sleep comfort. Individual needs: Consider personal preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. Some people may prefer slightly cooler or warmer settings.
What causes it? Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can happen when you repeatedly breathe in bacteria , mold, or chemicals in your environment that cause inflammation in your lungs. These harmful substances may be found in: Air conditioners, humidifiers, and ventilation systems.
Temperature issues: A vent under the bed can make the mattress uncomfortably hot or cold, disrupting sleep quality and potentially affecting overall health.
Turning off your AC promotes better sleep
'Maintaining a cool and comfortable bedroom environment is crucial for a good night's sleep,' says Alvin Pullins, a home improvement and maintenance specialist. 'However, shallow temperatures, especially during sleep, can interfere with sleep quality and overall restfulness. '
The AC uses less energy in fan mode than when cooling. But running the fan all the time can increase the amount of maintenance your HVAC system might need. That's because the filter can clog up sooner and mechanical wear and tear can accelerate.
The way that air conditioners work is to blow out cool - but dry - air. This can mean that if you're in an air conditioned environment for some time your ears, nose and throat can suffer because there is a significant loss of humidity. This can dry out the mucus membrane in the middle ears and also the nasal passages.
Air conditioning left on overnight can dry out your room, making your nose feel stuffy and your skin feel dry. If this happens, you may want to cool your room down before going to bed and then turn the air conditioning off.
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.
Leakage from a damaged air conditioner can harm the environment and release toxic fumes that can make you and your family sick.
Symptoms of air conditioner lung typically appear four to six hours after exposure to the allergen and may last anywhere from 12 hours to a few days. The symptoms of A/C lung are similar to those of COVID-19, so it's probably a good idea to get tested for COVID if you experience any of the symptoms.
These commonly include bronchitis-like symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. People also suffer from weakness, fatigue, fever, night sweats, leg swelling and bluish discoloration of the lips.
While the standard room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit is commonly favored by many, others argue for higher settings, particularly when it's hotter outside.
Sleeping too hot
“Heat is a huge disruptor for REM sleep,” Dr. Drerup says. With the heat of the room, your body temperature will also rise, thus undoing the sleep initiation process entirely. If your bedroom temperature is above 70° F, it's too hot.
While the AC can provide relief, sleeping with it on for long hours can be bad for your health. Dry eyes: AC removes moisture from the air, leading to dryness, itching, and discomfort in the eyes. Lethargy: Cool temperatures can lower metabolic rates and slow down body processes, leading to fatigue and drowsiness.
While it's safe to leave the AC running all night. But you must take care of how much energy it consumes or if the cool and comfortable air is spreading equally throughout the room. If you are running your AC for long periods of time then try to keep your home ventilated by turning on a fan.
Ceiling Fans Are a Healthier Option
This is not a problem with fans – they simply circulate the air around the room – eventually moving it out through open doors and windows. Fresh, healthy air is thus enabled to move freely through your home.