A good night’s sleep provides you with a host of benefits that can help improve your quality of life, helping you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges that the new day brings.
Using a humidifier in one’s bedroom during bedtime has become an increasingly popular initiative taken up by many Australians to help improve sleep quality. In this blog post, we discuss whether sleeping with a humidifier is a good idea and the different benefits and potential harms this habit might bring.
Can I use a humidifier for better sleep?
Using a humidifier can help improve one’s quality of sleep and is particularly more beneficial when used in dry climates, during the winter months or when indoor heating tends to decrease humidity levels indoors and dry up the air.
A humidifier like the ION90 from Ionmax releases warm or cool mist into the air, covering spaces up to 30 square metres. This helps to increase the level of humidity in the air, which will help provide relief from dry air and sinus congestion while also reducing snoring, hydrating the skin, soothing any throat irritation and managing asthma and allergy symptoms.
The section below explains the different benefits of sleeping with a dehumidifier.
Benefits of sleeping with a humidifier:
A humidifier can play a crucial role in enhancing one’s quality of sleep by increasing humidity levels to a comfortable degree, which, in turn, improves indoor air quality. This can be especially beneficial for babies and individuals suffering from asthma and allergies.
Below are some ways humidifiers help contribute to better sleep quality:
Improved breathing
Dry air can worsen symptoms of those suffering from allergies and can also make breathing more difficult and uncomfortable for others due to it causing dry nasal passages, especially during sleep. A humidifier helps maintain optimal moisture levels in the air, helping to reduce irritation in the passageways and make breathing more comfortable.
Eased congestion
Certain individuals may be more susceptible to nasal congestion due to dry air. A humidifier helps keep nasal passages moist. This helps facilitate easier breathing and promotes uninterrupted sleep for adults and children.
Comfortable environment for babies
Babies, in particular, can benefit from humidifiers due to the fact they are more susceptible to congestion due to their underdeveloped respiratory systems. Dry air worsens congestion symptoms that make it harder for babies to breathe and sleep soundly. A humidifier promotes better sleep for both infants and parents.
Skin hydration
Dry air leads to dry, flaky skin and can cause skin conditions like eczema to worsen. Maintaining proper humidity levels through the use of a humidifier can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce discomfort.
Reduced snoring
Snoring often occurs when the passageways become dry and irritated. By adding moisture to the air and increasing humidity, the likelihood of snoring is reduced. This helps provide more comfort to the snorer and their sleeping partner.
A more comfortable sleep environment
When all the factors and benefits above are combined, an environment with well-maintained humidity can create a more comfortable sleeping environment that prevents the drying of nasal passages, reduces irritation and helps you stay asleep longer without discomfort.
The Ionmax ION90 humidifier utilises ultrasonic UV technology to help provide comfortable indoor air. This advanced humidifier provides users the option of warm or cool mist production and gives users the convenience and benefit of selecting their preferred indoor humidity level.
The unit also comes with a dedicated baby mode that works by maintaining a comfortable humidity level throughout its operations. This is ideal for those living with small children, infants or those living with atopy.
Potential drawbacks to using a humidifier for sleeping
At face value, there are no real drawbacks to using a humidifier for sleeping unless the unit is improperly used, if the wrong setting is applied or if the unit has not been properly maintained.
Some of the potential drawbacks to using a humidifier improperly when sleeping are below:
Over-humidification
Running a humidifier for long periods at high humidity settings (above 60%) can cause the room to be overly humid and promote the growth of mould, dust mites and other allergens. This can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions.Maintenance
Like most other air treatment appliances, regular maintenance by cleaning is to be observed. Failing to clean the humidifier can lead to the growth of bacteria within the unit. Running the unit while in this condition can lead to it releasing these impurities back into the ambient air.Noise pollution
Older humidifier models may produce noise that could potentially disrupt your sleep, whereas modern humidifiers like the ION90 are made to have quiet operations.Increased electricity consumption
Running a humidifier continuously throughout the day and overnight may contribute to higher power bills.
Best practices for using a humidifier for sleep
From the discussion above, we can see that using a humidifier can aid a person to enjoy better sleep quality. However, if used improperly, adverse effects could take place that will leave you with worse indoor air quality.
Clean the humidifier
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting the humidifier can prevent the growth of mould and bacteria. This will also help prevent any impurities from being released back into the ambient air. Do refer to the humidifier’s user manual for recommended cleaning methods.
Monitor humidity levels
Ensure that your humidifier’s setting is set to a safe and comfortable humidity level to prevent over-humidification. Some humidifiers, like the ION90, have a built-in humidity level indicator to help you monitor ambient humidity levels and make changes to the humidifier accordingly.
Use distilled water
If possible, use distilled or demineralised water in your humidifier to prevent mineral buildup. The Ionmax ION90 comes with a demineralisation filter that removes mineral salts and other additives from the water.
Do not run for extended periods of time
Running your humidifier for extended periods of time can cause higher power bills. Some units may not have an auto-off function when the unit runs out of water. This can lead to burning or damage to the unit’s parts and functions.
Conclusion
Humidifiers are helpful tools to provide added moisture into the air and create a healthier indoor environment, especially during dryer seasons.
Using a humidifier is also helpful for babies as their underdeveloped passageways can lead to their nasal passages and throat being easily congested or irritated. However, when using a humidifier, always ensure that the humidifier tank is kept clean, distilled water is used, and the right setting is selected.
To avoid high power bills, refrain from operating the humidifier for long periods of time.
If these steps are followed, you can expect to breathe easier and enjoy a better quality of sleep.
Ionmax offers a wide range of air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers that help improve indoor air quality and provide users with cleaner indoor air all year round. Learn more about the Ionmax ION90 humidifier to help you make an informed buying decision.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.
Ionmax Australia
Founded in 2003, Ionmax Australia has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and commitment to customer satisfaction. Ionmax dehumidifiers and air purifiers have been recognised for their effectiveness in reducing indoor air pollutants and improving air quality. The company is committed to researching and developing new and improved products that meet the needs and expectations of its customers, making it a trusted name in households across Australia and beyond.
