Written by Kelle Salle
Image by @missscampbell
Let’s keep it real – not being able to fall asleep and stay asleep is the absolute worst. Trying every single thing your Google search recommends but finding yourself with your eyes wide open at 3am can be such a frustrating experience. It goes without saying that our bodies need sleep but with everything that has happened over the past few years, it’s no surprise that 1 in 8 Brits have problems falling asleep every night.
Although some people are able to fall asleep more easily than others, the most important thing to consider for a good night’s rest is your environment, so making sure your room is dark, reading a book or listening to some music to relieve the day’s stresses can help. If you’ve tried all of these things and nothing seems to do the trick, then you might want to consider using a humidifier. A humidifier is a device that increases the humidity level in a room. It emits water vapour into the air, which helps alleviate respiratory conditions caused by dry air such as dry skin and sore throats.Before we reveal our selection of the top 3 humidifiers that could improve your quality of sleep, we’ve asked Susan Miller, Lead Researcher and Certified Sleep Expert (RPSGT) at Sleep Mattress HQ to provide some insight. Keep reading to learn what to look for in a humidifier, how it should be used and how it can improve your quality of sleep.
What are some things to consider when looking for a humidifier?
Size – How small or large is the room you want the humidifier to be in? There are humidifiers on the market that are designed with room size in mind, so be sure to pick accordingly.
Type – There a variety of humidifiers on the market (warm mist, cool mist, ultrasonic and evaporative). Each type comes with its own pros, cons and price points so choose one that best suits your needs.
Output – What will the humidifier’s daily humidification output be? Check the amount of moisture that the device can add to the air in a 24-hour period.
Maintenance – Buy a humidifier that is easy to clean and maintain. Requirements will vary depending on the model.
Noise level – If you’re a light sleeper, a humidifier that makes a lot of noise might not be for you, so check the packaging before you invest in one.
Safety features – Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off when the water level is low or when the device is tipped over.
The size of the water tank – this determines how long the humidifier can run without being refilled, so choose a humidifier with a tank size that’s appropriate for your needs. A humidifier with a larger tank may require less refilling, but it may also be more difficult to handle.
How should a humidifier be used for best results?
– Clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.
– Keep your humidifier clean by using distilled water to avoid mineral buildup, which can damage the device.
– Set the right humidity level (between 30 and 50 percent) and monitor it with a hygrometer and adjust the humidifier accordingly.
– The humidifier should be placed in the room where you spend most of your time
– Remember to keep the door closed when using a humidifier
– Place the humidifier on a flat surface away from walls and furniture. It should not be placed on the carpet or any other surface that may be damaged by moisture.
– While sleeping, run the humidifier to alleviate dry skin, throat irritation, and other respiratory issues.
How can humidifiers improve your quality of sleep?
They improve air quality – Dry air can cause discomfort and irritation, which makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It can also cause snoring and other breathing problems. Humidifiers can improve breathing and reduce snoring by adding moisture to the air. Dry air can irritate nasal passages and throats, resulting in coughing and congestion. A humidifier can help alleviate these symptoms, allowing you to breathe easier and sleep better.
They reduce allergy symptoms – Dust, mould, and pet dander can aggravate allergies and interfere with sleep. Humidifiers reduce the concentration of allergens in the air, which can alleviate your symptoms and improve sleep.
They decrease susceptibility to infection – Low humidity environments favour viruses and bacteria, making us more susceptible to respiratory infections. The humidity that humidifiers add to the air can help keep us healthier and prevent us from getting sick.They improve plant health – If you’re a plant mum, you’ll be pleased to hear that humidifiers can help improve the health of plants by providing them with the moisture they need to thrive. Healthy plants can help create an environment that promotes better sleep by calming and relaxing the mind.
Did you know that humidifiers can also improve skin health? Using one regularly can restore the skin’s natural functions, keeping it hydrated and healthy.
Here are our top picks:
