Many might believe that setting the air conditioner to 26°C at night strikes a good balance between comfort and energy savings. However, this common practice may not be as beneficial as it seems.
From the quality of sleep to energy efficiency and health implications, let’s explore why having your AC at 26°C might not be the best nighttime choice.
Effects on Sleep Cycles
Our bodies naturally cool down as we sleep, aiding a deeper, more restful sleep. However, in a room with a constant temperature of 26°C, your body’s ability to unwind may be compromised, leading to disturbed sleep. Sleep experts suggest that rooms between 18-22°C are more conducive to optimal rest.
Sweating and Unease
While 26°C might be comfortable during the day, it can lead to sweating when you’re tucked in at night. This added warmth can make you feel sticky and restless, prompting you to toss and turn as you seek relief.
Impact of Humidity
Setting your AC to higher temperatures may result in inadequate dehumidification. At 26°C, the air might feel stagnant and moist, especially on humid nights, making it harder to breathe comfortably, particularly for those with respiratory issues.
Cooling Inefficiency
An AC set at 26°C could struggle to provide effective cooling, particularly during the hotter months, leading to prolonged usage and inefficient energy consumption. This means that instead of saving energy, you’re keeping the AC running longer than necessary.
Risks Associated with Overheating
Spending the night in a warm room can pose a risk of overheating, leading to possible dehydration or headaches. For individuals with conditions such as asthma, these symptoms might exacerbate, making the night’s rest less restorative. The consensus among sleep specialists is to maintain a bedroom temperature between 18-22°C for a healthy, comfortable sleep.
Implications for Sleep Quality
Higher room temperatures often result in more sleep interruptions. Keeping your room at 26°C can extend the time required to fall asleep and make it harder to remain asleep, decreasing overall sleep quality.
Marginal Energy Savings
Though it might appear that a setting of 26°C will cut down on electricity expenses, the energy savings are often minimal. Setting the AC a bit lower, such as to 24°C, could actually lead to faster cooling, allowing the system to shut off sooner, potentially offering better energy efficiency.
Impact on Air Circulation
Temperature settings at 26°C might not promote effective air circulation, resulting in some room areas being uncomfortably warm. Uneven air distribution can upset the consistency of your sleep environment.
Effect on Body Temperature Balance
To achieve essential REM sleep cycles, our bodies need to expel excess heat. A room that’s too warm can hinder this process, negatively impacting REM sleep, which is vital for maintaining good mental health and cognitive function.
Counterproductive Energy Usage
There’s a misconception that higher temperature settings equate to energy savings. If your room is inadequately cooled, you might adjust the thermostat multiple times, inadvertently increasing energy use.
Waking up Groggy
A warm room can easily cause morning grogginess, as it may prevent your body from reaching the needed temperature for restorative sleep. This can make mornings tougher and more sluggish.
Air Quality Concerns
At higher temperatures, allergens and pollutants may circulate more easily, especially if your AC isn’t running optimally. This deterioration in air quality could worsen allergy symptoms and respiratory issues, affecting sleep and overall health.
Lowering your AC setting below 26°C at night may create a more conducive atmosphere for sleep, energy efficiency, and better health.
