With the arrival of winter, most people buy room heaters to avoid the cold. In colder regions, many people sleep with heaters on all night to avoid feeling cold. But do you know that this habit can gradually affect your health?
Heaters dry the air
When a room heater is left on for long periods of time, it dehumidifies the air. Dry air can cause chapped skin, dry lips and sore throat. Apart from this, problems like nasal congestion, cough and difficulty in breathing may also increase. So doctors recommend turning on the heater for short periods of time as needed rather than continuously.
Risk of reducing the oxygen level in the room
Keeping the heater on in a closed room can reduce oxygen levels. It can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue and heaviness. In some cases, this condition can also cause fainting. Gas heaters and coil heaters in particular can release toxic gases like carbon monoxide, which can be fatal. So, always use heaters with caution.
Use heaters safely
If it’s very cold and you must use a heater, take some precautions. Maintain light ventilation in the room to keep fresh air flowing. Also, keep a humidifier or a container of water in the room to maintain humidity. Before going to bed, put the heater on a timer so that it turns off automatically after a few hours.
What are the better choices of heaters?
Experts believe that electric blankets or hot water bottles are better alternatives to heaters to beat the cold. They keep the body warm without drying out the air. They also consume less power and are less harmful to health. So, it is wise to use these safer options instead of running the heater all night.
While heaters provide relief in the winter, they can pose a health hazard if used improperly. Proper ventilation, humidity and timer use can help you stay healthy and prevent frostbite.