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How Temperature, Humidity, and Air Quality Affect Your Sleep

There's nothing worse than trying to get through a long workday when you didn't sleep well the night before. Everything takes twice as long as it should, the hours creep by, and your energy is sapped. You find yourself reaching for a quick pick-me-up in the form of caffeine or sugary snacks, but they only end up making you feel jittery.

It's better to get to the root of the problem and address the causes of a bad night's sleep. Many sleep specialists have pointed out that changes in daylight that come with the changing seasons can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep, and so can rising temperatures as spring turns to summer. Meanwhile, plunging (or rising) humidity levels affect our sinuses, while seasonal allergies can lead to sleep problems of their own.

A cooler room temperature may make sleep more comfortable and restful, but when the air is too cold, we tend to crank up the furnace, which can lead to dry sinuses that also disrupt sleep. Meanwhile, letting the humidity climb too high can also make it hard for you to settle into deep sleep.

If it seems like there's no way to win, not to worry! There are a number of ways that your Olathe heating and cooling system can control factors in your home to help you get a good night's sleep just about every night. Here's a little more on the ways temperature, humidity, and air quality affect your sleep each and every night, and how your HVAC system can help:

If the temperature is too hot or too cold: Your first line of defense against the kinds of seasonal temperature fluctuations that are all too common here in the Kansas City area is a learning thermostat. A "smart" thermostat is great, because it can learn your patterns and make small adjustments that help save you money on your utility bills while also keeping your house more comfortable. Some of the "smartest" ones on the market are able to wirelessly access the weather forecast and make adjustments as needed. Best of all, you can actually change the temperature from your phone, meaning that you don't even have to get out of bed at night if the house is too warm or too cold. To get the most out of your new learning thermostat, though, be sure to have it installed by a licensed Olathe heating and cooling technician.

If the heat and humidity are out of control: Sure, being too hot or too cold will affect your sleep, but being too "sticky" is the worst. Here in Olathe, humidity can be a real problem in the summertime, which is why it's important to remember that your air conditioner does more than keep you cool. It literally "conditions" the air to help remove some of that pesky humidity. You can even get a dehumidifier unit to help rid your house of unwanted humidity if it becomes a problem. Just talk with your local heating and cooling pros about getting one installed.

If seasonal allergies are an issue: Let's face it, the "achoo" factor of your seasonal allergies can keep you (and everyone else in the house) up all night. That's why it's important to be sure to include your vent covers in your regular spring (or autumn) cleaning schedule and to change your air filters regularly. Cleaning the vents can help remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Change the filter at least every three months, and be sure to check your filter every month to see how it's doing. Keeping your filters changed regularly not only helps you breathe easier; it also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. If you're still struggling with seasonal allergies at night, consider investing in an electronic air cleaner.

If the air is too dry: Sure, we were just talking about humidity and how bad it can get in Kansas during the summer, but your air can also be too dry, especially if you've been running the furnace a lot. Dry air means that your throat will become more parched while you sleep, leading you to wake up more often for a glass of water. Dry air also dries out your sinuses, which can increase your risk of colds and other ailments. Fortunately, a good humidifier can help rid your house of dry air, help your furnace function properly, and benefit your sleep, overall health, and comfort. Proper humidity levels will also protect your furniture and antiques, which can be damaged by overly dry conditions, and get rid of that "static shock" that's so common when the air gets too dry.

If you need heating and air conditioning service: When you get right down to it, the preventative measure to end all preventative measures is to have your Olathe heating and cooling system tuned up twice a year by the pros. This will not only help you stay comfortable and ensure better sleep all year round, it will also help keep your furnace and air conditioner in tip-top shape and avoid costly breakdowns later on. Plus, with VIP Service from Davenport Service Company, you don't even have to worry about scheduling your next tune-up. Our expert service technicians will call you and make sure that you're on the schedule at a time that fits your needs. Then you can sleep soundly at night, knowing that your Olathe HVAC system is in good hands.

Whether you're ready to install your first smart thermostat, want to know more about humidifiers and electronic air purifiers, or just want to schedule a tune-up of your Olathe heating and cooling system, call Davenport Service Company at 913-441-2222 today! We've been providing "customer first" heating and cooling solutions in Olathe for more than thirty years, so our customers can sleep well every night.

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