Many people think that setting their air conditioner to 26°C overnight is a good way to maintain comfort while saving energy. However, this approach may not be as beneficial as it seems. From sleep quality to energy efficiency and health, let’s examine why 26°C might not be the ideal temperature setting for your AC at night.
Disrupts Sleep Cycles
The human body naturally cools down during sleep, a process that aids in reaching deeper sleep stages. If your room stays warm, like at 26°C, it can prevent your body from fully relaxing, leading to restless sleep. A cooler environment, typically between 18-22°C, is recommended for optimal rest.
Increased Sweating and Discomfort
While 26°C might feel fine for daytime activities, it can cause sweating when you’re trying to sleep, especially under blankets. This warmth may make you feel sticky and uncomfortable, interrupting sleep as you toss and turn to find relief.
Humidity Concerns
Air conditioners set at higher temperatures may struggle to dehumidify the room. When set to 26°C, the air may feel stuffy and damp, particularly on humid nights. This can make breathing harder, especially for those with respiratory conditions, reducing the comfort of your sleep environment.
Inefficient Cooling
An AC set at 26°C may take longer to cool the room adequately, especially during hot summer nights. This setting may not provide the quick relief you need, resulting in prolonged cooling times and potentially more energy use, negating the intended savings.
Photo by Alexandre Lecocq on UnsplashHealth Risks of Overheating
Sleeping in a warm room can increase the risk of overheating, which may cause issues like headaches or dehydration. For those with asthma or other health conditions, overheating can worsen symptoms. Most sleep experts recommend a bedroom temperature between 18-22°C for a comfortable, healthy rest.
Negative Impact on Sleep Quality
Warmer environments tend to cause more movement during sleep. A room set to 26°C may make it difficult to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep, which can significantly lower your sleep quality and leave you feeling groggy the next day.
Photo by Everett Pachmann on UnsplashMinimal Energy Savings
Although setting the AC to 26°C may seem like a good way to cut costs, the energy savings can be minimal. Lowering the temperature slightly, like to 24°C, can cool the room faster, allowing the AC to cycle off sooner and potentially reduce energy usage.
Compromised Airflow
An AC set at 26°C may not circulate air as effectively, causing certain areas of the room to stay warmer. This uneven airflow can create uncomfortable hot spots, making it harder to maintain a consistent sleeping environment.
Photo by Muhammed Faizan Hussain on UnsplashImpact on Body Temperature Regulation
The body needs to release heat during sleep to achieve REM cycles, which are essential for mental health and cognitive function. A warm room can disrupt this process, leading to poor REM sleep and potentially affecting your mood and focus the next day.
Potential for Increased Energy Use
Contrary to popular belief, a higher temperature setting doesn’t always lead to lower energy costs. If your room isn’t cool enough for restful sleep, you may end up adjusting the thermostat multiple times, leading to increased energy consumption overall.
Difficulty Waking Up Refreshed
Sleeping in a warm room can lead to grogginess in the morning, as your body may not have reached its optimal temperature for restorative sleep. This can make it harder to feel refreshed and ready to start your day.
Impact on Air Quality
Higher temperatures can allow allergens and pollutants to circulate more freely, especially if your AC’s dehumidifying function is reduced. This can lower air quality and aggravate allergies or respiratory conditions, potentially affecting both sleep and overall health.
Setting your AC below 26°C at night can support better sleep, energy efficiency, and overall health by maintaining a cool, comfortable environment.
