There are few things more important to your health and overall happiness than getting enough sleep at night. Many people aren’t even aware of the serious impact sleep deprivation has on our bodies. However, millions of people all over the world suffer from the inability to get adequate sleep at night. While there are hundreds of possible causes for poor sleep, it’s a good idea to try to eliminate as many of them as possible within your home. One possible culprit could even be your heating or air conditioning system. If you’re not getting enough rest, read on to learn whether or not your HVAC system could be the reason you’re losing sleep.
Is your HVAC system causing you to lose sleep?
There are several reasons that you may be losing sleep because of your HVAC system. One common cause for nighttime discomfort is an inconsistent indoor temperature. When your HVAC is in disrepair, it can also have the tendency to emit loud noises, which can be incredibly disruptive while you’re trying to sleep. Poor air quality caused by an inefficient HVAC system is also a major contributor to poor sleep. An increase in airborne contaminants can leave you coughing and sneezing all night long.
Proper HVAC maintenance is essential if you want to avoid any sleep deprivation as a result of your heating system or air conditioner. Your HVAC should be inspected at least once annually, and you should ensure that the filter is changed every 90 days. If you’re experiencing problems with your HVAC system and it’s over 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing the system entirely.
What effect does poor sleep have on your health?
The health impact of insufficient sleep can be significant. High blood pressure is one major condition linked to lack of sleep. Your blood pressure tends to go down during normal sleep, but sleep deprivation forces your blood pressure to stay higher for a longer period of time. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke and it affects one in three adults in the United States.
Lack of sleep has also been connected to obesity and unhealthy weight gain, especially in children and adolescents. Some studies suggest not getting enough sleep can even impact the part of the brain that regulates hunger. It’s important to remember that younger people require more sleep than older adults, so it’s particularly important to keep them on a regular sleep schedule.
You should also be aware of sleep conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is repeatedly blocked while sleeping. It can cause you to stop breathing for short amounts of time, in addition to creating other health risks, like increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Insomnia, which refers to trouble falling or staying asleep, can cause similar problems, in addition to higher stress levels and decreased motivation.
Given how serious the impact your sleep can have on your health, getting enough of it should be a priority for everyone. There are a lot of potential causes, but one risk factor that you can easily minimize the impact of is your HVAC system. Whether it’s emitting loud noises, failing to regulate temperature properly, or just creating poor air quality in your home, some maintenance can make a big difference in the quality of sleep you’re getting every night. If you suspect your HVAC system is the cause of your sleep issues, have a technician come inspect the unit before lack of sleep begins to have a noticeable effect on your health and wellness.
