Is it OK to sleep with dehumidifier on?

Using a dehumidifier in the bedroom while sleeping is a common practice for many people. However, there are some conflicting opinions on whether this is safe or recommended. In this article, we’ll explore the potential pros and cons of sleeping with a dehumidifier running to help you make an informed decision.

The benefits of sleeping with a dehumidifier

There are a few potential advantages to having a dehumidifier on in the bedroom at night:

• It can help relieve allergies and asthma symptoms by removing moisture from the air, which reduces dust mites, mold, and mildew.
• The drier air can make breathing easier for those with respiratory conditions or congestion.
• It helps keep the room feeling cooler by removing humidity.
• It reduces musty odors and prevents dampness that can lead to mold growth.
• It can help you sleep better if high humidity is making you uncomfortably warm at night.

For those who struggle with allergies, asthma, and other conditions impacted by humidity levels, sleeping with the dehumidifier on may bring noticeable relief of symptoms.

Potential downsides of using a dehumidifier at night

However, there are also some drawbacks and concerns to consider:

• The noise from the appliance may make it harder to fall asleep or cause you to wake up frequently.
• Some dehumidifiers have bright lights or displays that can also disrupt sleep.
• The airflow and circulation can make the room too cold, especially in winter.
• Very dry air can irritate airways and skin for some people.
• There are safety concerns if the device tips over while unattended.
• Leaving it running all night uses more energy.

The low humidity levels created by a dehumidifier may exacerbate respiratory infections, dry eyes, allergic rhinitis, eczema and other conditions aggravated by dryness. And if the machine is noisy or disruptive, it can defeat the purpose of using it for a better night’s sleep.

Tips for sleeping comfortably and safely with a dehumidifier

If you do decide to use a dehumidifier in your bedroom, there are some tips to make it more comfortable and minimize any downsides:

• Place the dehumidifier as far from the bed as possible to reduce noise disturbance.
• Use a sound machine or white noise app to mask any noise from the appliance.
• Select a dehumidifier with whisper-quiet operation, timer functions, and auto shut-off.
• Make sure the room doesn’t get too cold by setting the dehumidifier to a moderate humidity level.
• Use a humidifier during the day if the air gets too dry.
• Keep air circulation localized by closing the bedroom door and using lower fan settings.
• Use moisture traps and clean the dehumidifier regularly to control musty smells.
• Don’t leave a free-standing or wheeled dehumidifier plugged in unattended to prevent accidents.

Trying out different humidity settings and locations for the dehumidifier can help you find the sweet spot for comfort and symptom relief.

Ideal humidity levels for sleep

Experts generally recommend keeping the humidity in your bedroom between 30-50% for optimal sleep conditions. Here is an overview of the ideal humidity ranges:

Humidity Level	Comfort and Benefits
30-50% humidity	Ideal for sleep comfort and health. Reduces allergens and skin drying.
Below 30%	Very dry air that can cause nasal congestion, skin and eye irritation.
51-70%	May feel somewhat stuffy. Higher risk of mold and mildew growth.
Over 70%	Extremely humid and uncomfortable for sleep. High allergen and microbe levels.

The best humidity range provides a balance of comfort and health benefits for most people. However, you may need to adjust settings based on your individual needs and conditions.

Consider an air purifier or humidifier

While dehumidifiers reduce humidity, other options like air purifiers and humidifiers can also improve bedroom conditions:

• Air purifiers use filtration to trap allergens, pollutants and microbes without removing moisture.
• Humidifiers raise humidity levels to ease breathing and skin dryness caused by very dry indoor air.

Using alternative devices or alternating between drying and humidifying modes during the day and night may provide more balanced air quality.

Consult your doctor if you have health conditions

It’s always a good idea to talk to your physician before using a dehumidifier if you have respiratory issues, allergies or other chronic health conditions. They can provide guidance on whether it may help or exacerbate your symptoms.

Some questions to ask:

• What humidity levels do you recommend for my condition?
• Should I use a dehumidifier, humidifier or air purifier in my room?
• What potential side effects should I watch out for?
• How often do you recommend using it overnight?

Your doctor can tailor their advice based on your medical history and sensitivities. Follow their suggested guidelines for using dehumidifiers or other devices safely.

Conclusion

Sleeping with a dehumidifier running can be beneficial for some people, but the low humidity levels may cause discomfort or worsen symptoms for others. Consider noise, air circulation, and optimal humidity ranges for restful sleep.

Trying out different settings and using it only when needed, along with other air quality devices, can help minimize drawbacks. Discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine if a bedroom dehumidifier is appropriate for your needs.

With proper precautions to reduce noise, prevent over-drying and instability hazards, a dehumidifier can be a useful tool for improving sleep comfort and health issues linked to humidity and allergens. But work closely with your doctor if you have chronic conditions that may be impacted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it unhealthy to sleep with a dehumidifier on?

Sleeping with a dehumidifier is generally safe, provided the room doesn’t become extremely dry. However, very low humidity under 30% can potentially aggravate some respiratory conditions, dry eyes, skin irritation and allergies in sensitive individuals. Keeping humidity between 40-50% is ideal for most people.

Should I run my dehumidifier all night?

It’s usually recommended to run a dehumidifier overnight only as needed to maintain moderate humidity levels. Use a built-in humidistat or timer so it cycles on and off as required rather than running continuously. This saves energy and prevents over-drying the air.

Where should I place a dehumidifier in my bedroom?

Put the dehumidifier as far from the bed as possible, such as near the door, to minimize noise disturbance. Place it on a sturdy surface away from where it could tip over. Make sure cords are secured out of walking paths to prevent tripping hazards.

Can dehumidifiers help with snoring and sleep apnea?

Using a dehumidifier may potentially help reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea symptoms by decreasing inflammation in airways and nasal passages. But more research is needed. Talk to your doctor to see if trying a bedroom dehumidifier could aid your specific condition.

Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier on and unattended?

Portable and free-standing dehumidifiers should not be left running overnight unattended. Either turn the unit off or use built-in timer functions. Make sure the dehumidifier is on a stable surface out of high traffic areas and routes to prevent accidental tip-overs and injuries.

The risks of very low and very high humidity

Humidity levels that are too high or too low come with their own set of risks and discomforts:

Very low humidity

• Aggravates respiratory infections
• Excessive dryness of nasal passages and throat
• Skin irritation and cracked skin
• Dry, irritated eyes
• Staticky hair and sheets
• Increased risk of electrostatic shock

Very high humidity

• Increased growth of mold, mildew and dust mites
• Worsening of allergy and asthma symptoms
• Difficulty breathing and stuffiness
• Bacteria and microbial growth
• Excessive sweating and discomfort
• Condensation and dampness

Finding the right balance for your needs and sensitivities is key. Keep the bedroom between 30-50% relative humidity for optimal comfort and health.

Comparing types of dehumidifiers

There are a few main options when selecting a dehumidifier for the bedroom:

Type	Pros	Cons
Refrigerant dehumidifiers	Energy efficient, quiet operation, maintain consistent humidity, auto functions	More expensive to purchase, heavy, better for large spaces
Desiccant dehumidifiers	Compact size, good for small rooms, operate well in low temps, no need to empty water tank frequently	Less efficient, not effective for serious humidity issues, may have more noise
Thermo-electric dehumidifiers	Lightweight and portable, inexpensive, good for use in multiple rooms	Lower power and tank capacity, less effective at very high humidity, louder noise

Consider noise level, automatic features, size and portability, and effectiveness for your room’s conditions when selecting a unit.

Dehumidifier maintenance tips

To keep your dehumidifier working efficiently and safely:

• Change filters regularly according to manufacturer instructions.
• Empty water tank before it overflows.
• Clean dust and debris from grills and vents.
• Avoid using with extension cords.
• Turn off and store away when not in use to avoid tripping and falling.
• Make sure it sits upright on a flat, stable surface.
• Follow all safety guidelines and don’t leave unattended for long periods.

Proper dehumidifier maintenance and care extends its lifespan and efficiency at regulating bedroom humidity.

Creating a bedroom environment for better sleep

In addition to using a dehumidifier, make sure to follow good sleep hygiene practices:

• Set the thermostat to a comfortable cool temperature around 65-70°F.
• Use window coverings to block outside light.
• Limit light exposure from screens before bedtime.
• Establish a regular pre-bed routine to wind down.
• Replace old mattresses and pillows.
• Use white noise or a fan to mask disruptive sounds.
• Keep the room clean and hypoallergenic.

Optimizing these other environmental factors along with using a dehumidifier for moderate humidity can create a bedroom oasis tailored to your sleep needs.

When to avoid using a dehumidifier in the bedroom

There are certain situations where using a dehumidifier at night may cause more harm than good:

• If you have very dry skin, nasal passages or eyes aggravated by low humidity.
• Temperatures are extremely cold, making the room too chilly.
• You have chronic nasal congestion or thick mucus due to the dryness.
• The noise disturbs your sleep even when far away or behind furniture.
• You have an unstable unit at risk of falling over while unattended.

Pay attention to your symptoms and comfort when testing out a bedroom dehumidifier. Stop using it if side effects outweigh the benefits.

Takeaways on using dehumidifiers for sleep

• Moderate humidity between 30-50% is ideal for sleep comfort.
• Dehumidifiers can reduce allergens, but very dry air can worsen nasal and skin conditions.
• Minimize noise, air circulation and instability hazards for safety.
• Consider air purifiers and humidifiers to avoid over-drying.
• Talk to your doctor about benefits and risks with your health conditions.
• Make sure humidity and other sleep hygiene factors are optimized.

While dehumidifiers can be useful for improving air quality in the bedroom, take precautions to find the right balance for your needs. Work with your healthcare provider to supplement with other humidifying or purifying devices as needed.