Tips for Using Air Conditioning and AC Overnight Without Feeling Tired, Sore Throat, Congested

How to use air conditioning overnight without feeling tired, sore throat, and stuffy nose

1. Why using air conditioning overnight can lead to a sore throat and stuffy nose?

- Low air humidity

Sometimes, air conditioning can cause a sore throat and stuffy nose due to excessively low indoor humidity. Although removing humidity can reduce the chances of bacteria and mold growth in your home, it can also compromise air quality.

Air conditioners, also known as coolers, remove humidity from the air as a natural byproduct of the cooling process. When air touches the cold coil inside the air handler, the conditioner causes moisture to condense on the coil and drain into the outdoor drainage pipe.

- Dehydration

Air conditioning is effective, but its downside is that it can cause dry skin and respiratory issues. When running the air conditioner overnight, the body may become dehydrated due to reduced water intake. Insufficient saliva production can result in a dry mouth and throat.

- Mouth Breathing during Sleep
Especially for individuals with respiratory or sinus conditions, sleeping with an open mouth or breathing through the mouth can strain the nose in a cold and dry environment for an extended period. Moreover, the oral environment, rich in bacteria, combined with such air conditions, can create a favorable setting for bacterial growth, leading to respiratory infections.

- Confined space and poor air quality
Alongside excessively low air humidity, another serious factor causing stuffy nose and sore throat is poor indoor air quality. When the air conditioner is on, the room needs to be tightly sealed, inhibiting air circulation. Consequently, stagnant indoor air can accumulate dust and bacteria, especially in environments already prone to dust and mold.

- Low-quality and infrequently maintained air conditioning installation
If the air conditioner is improperly sized for the house or installed incorrectly, it can operate inefficiently, reducing indoor air quality and airflow. As you know, this can lead to increased indoor air pollution and undesirable symptoms such as sore throat and stuffy nose.

Additionally, when the air conditioner is not regularly maintained, it cannot effectively filter the air. The air conditioner absorbs moisture and pulls in fresh air from outside. Over time, water condenses inside the air conditioner, settling in nooks and coils. The damp, dark environment inside the air conditioner becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. As these bacteria/mold begin to form, the air blown from the AC becomes contaminated with these types of bacteria and mold, as most AC filters cannot filter them. Therefore, neglecting air conditioner cleaning leads to the accumulation of dirt, causing excessive strain on your system, making it less efficient and ultimately resulting in poor indoor air quality.

2. How does health get affected when using air conditioning overnight improperly?

- Cold, runny nose, sore throat, cough

In an environment with prolonged low temperature and humidity, it can disrupt the normal functions of the nose and throat, leading to respiratory congestion, sore throat, and pneumonia.

- Headaches and dizziness
When you are too cold, the blood vessels in your brain may constrict, which is one of the reasons for headaches.

- Asthma and allergies
Air conditioning can worsen the condition of those with asthma or allergies. While staying indoors can be helpful for sensitive individuals by keeping them away from other pollutants, many others may actually experience the opposite. If your air conditioner is not cleaned and maintained properly, it can increase the risk of exacerbating asthma and severe allergies.

- Dehydration Risk
Rooms with air conditioning tend to have a higher risk of dehydration compared to others. If the air conditioner extracts too much moisture from the room, you may experience dehydration.

- Reduced Heat Tolerance
Spending extended periods in an air-conditioned environment can make you increasingly intolerant to the scorching summer heat. This is primarily due to the stress on your body from transitioning between the cool indoor environment and the stifling outdoor air.

3. Proper Overnight Air Conditioning Usage Guide

Here are some tips for using air conditioning overnight correctly to help you get a good night's sleep without worrying about health issues.

- Set the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures to about 6-8 degrees.
- Avoid direct airflow on the face.
- Use the sleep mode of the air conditioner: When activated, the air conditioner will gradually increase the temperature after a certain period, preventing discomfort during the night. The system operates in sync with your body's natural sleep cycle and the room temperature, ensuring a perfect night's sleep.
- Increase humidity in the room: Place a bowl of water or use a misting device to balance the humidity in the room, reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.
- Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise to enhance overall health.

Surviving the summer can be challenging without the assistance of an air conditioner. Despite undeniable benefits, improper use of air conditioning can impact health. Therefore, apply the air conditioning usage tips shared in the article to use the cooling system overnight without feeling tired, sore throat, or nasal congestion. Additionally, refer to How to Use Air Conditioning Properly for energy-saving tips for your home.