Going to bed with the heater on isn’t a wrong decision unless you have a variable thermostat and timer set for auto switch off or lessen the heat to maintain optimum humidity, which makes it comfortable to sleep and prevents undesirable symptoms from occurring when you get up in the morning.
It is possible to get sick from sleeping with a heater on, and the likelihood of causing the air in the room to become dry, leading to respiratory issues such as dry throat, nosebleeds, and dry skin. In rare cases, sleeping with a heater on can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if the heater is not properly ventilated and it is deadly. It is important to ensure that the heater is used safely and properly ventilated to avoid these potential health risks.
It’s also worth noting that the precise symptoms will vary depending on the type of heater radiator and the room’s airflow. When sleeping with a heater on, your body might get overheated, resulting in dehydration and even heat exhaustion.
The reality is “we humans sleep better when we’re cooler, not freezing cold, nor even in the high heat.”
Marking ‘Dr Jason Ellis’ words:
“Our body’ temperatures fluctuates when we sleep; it drops as we go closer to bedtime and then naturally increases as we get closer to dawn.
Severe Reasons Against Sleeping with the Heater On
It is not advisable to sleep with the heater on, since this might cause health problems, and in extreme cases, death. The reasons are serious, and you should not disregard any of them.
1: Health Risks of Overheating and Humidity Imbalance from Heaters
Even though a gas heater can provide warmth and comfort on a chilly winter night, sleeping with heaters overnight can make you feel sick the next day.
Slumberdown Survey on Sleep Problems:
Sleep experts conducted a survey to find illness symptoms in persons who used heaters overnight.
- 46% of people waking up feeling sick (unwell) the next day.
- 37% of people reported dry mouth, dehydration and more severely, headaches.
- 17% of people wake up in the middle of the night sweating, an imbalanced body temperature.
This research indicated, sleeping with the heater on can also dry out the air in your room, which can cause dryness in your throat and nasal passages. This can lead to symptoms such as dry skin, dry cough, nasal congestion, allergies and sore throat. In some cases, breathing in dry air for an extended duration can also cause respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis.
Summary of Slumberdown Survey:
While using a heater to stay warm during the winter may seem like a good idea, it can have negative effects on your health. Overheating and imbalanced humidity levels can lead to discomfort and potentially even more severe health conditions. To avoid these risks, it is important to use heaters safely and ensure that the room is properly ventilated.
2: The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Heaters
Sleeping with a heater on can be dangerous because it increases the levels of carbon monoxide in the room. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that is difficult to detect, often produced by burning fuels such as gas, coal, wood, and oil. Thankfully, oil-filled radiators don’t emit carbon monoxide due to lack of burning elements.
Inhaling CO gas can be deadly because it replaces oxygen in the body. When CO gas is inhaled, it binds to the red blood cells in the body and prevents them from carrying oxygen to the cells, tissues, and organs. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body, which can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to asphyxia, also known as sleep death.
To avoid the negative effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, it is important to don’t leave heaters unattended or turned on overnight. This makes you accountable for regularly inspecting and ensuring that heaters work fine and the room is properly ventilated, and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in the house to alert you to the presence of this gas.
If you suspect that you or someone in the family or other beings have been exposed to carbon monoxide, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. This gas can be deadly if not treated promptly. By taking the necessary precautions and being aware of the risks, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and never leave heaters unattended overnight.
3: Fire Hazard of Gas Heaters
Heaters can be a safety hazard if they are not properly maintained or used. If a heater is placed too close to flammable materials, such as paper, clothing, bedding, furniture, carpets, or wood flooring, it can potentially start a fire.
To avoid this risk, it is important to keep the heater on a flat, smooth surface and to use a tray made of non-flammable material to keep it at a safe distance from other surfaces. It is also important to regularly inspect and clean the heater. By taking precautions, you can help ensure that your heater is safe to use.
Because of potential health problems and safety hazards. If you are cold while sleeping, it is better to use extra blankets or layers of clothing to keep warm, rather than completely relying on the heaters. If you do use a heater to warm up your room, make sure to follow the safety instructions and maintain the heater properly to minimize the risk of health problems or accidents.
Recommended Safe Heaters to Avoid Health Risks:
- Use Smart Oil Filled Radiator Heaters
- Install Home Central Heating System
- Use Infrared Heaters
- Conduction Heaters
- Use Fan Heaters
