Should you turn your AC off at night? Experts warn against running it while you sleep

When it's hot outside, having AC can feel like a luxury. Air conditioning units will absorb the heat in your room and simultaneously blow out cold air. They're the best way to cool a room down quickly. But while higher temperatures can make sleeping a struggle, experts warn against keeping the AC on at night.

From health risks associated with poor sleep to increases in energy costs, both sleep and home energy experts suggest the few adverse effects of running your AC outweigh the benefits of keeping cool. 

But that doesn't mean you have to suffer from night sweats either. As H&G's dedicated sleep editor and a self-confessed hot sleeper, I've also listed some of the best cooling bed products to help keep your temperature regulated, so you can follow this advice and keep your air conditioning and best fan off. 

You don't have to stick to this advice if you can't sleep without that cool breeze. However, if you want better sleep and lower bills, then it's certainly worth consideration. 

Why you should turn you AC off at night 

If you live in a very hot area, having the AC on at night seems like a no-brainer – a colder room is said to be the best temperature for sleep, plus it's much cheaper to run air conditioning in the evening. That being said, the experts I spoke to suggest that turning it off has benefits for sleep and as well as your energy bills 

1. Turning off your AC promotes better sleep

If you've ever woken up shivering, you know that a room that's too cold will disrupt your sleep. 'Maintaining a cool and comfortable bedroom environment is crucial for a good night's sleep,' says Alvin Pullins, a home improvement and maintenance specialist. 'However, shallow temperatures, especially during sleep, can interfere with sleep quality and overall restfulness.' 

Though that is not only the obvious drawback of getting cold at night. 'Having your fan on while you sleep can trigger allergies and make you feel congested, leading to poor sleep,' adds Martin Seeley, founder, and CEO of MattressNextDay. 'Naturally an electric fan will circulate air around the room. But what many people aren’t aware of is that it also circulates dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens.' It will also dry out the air and cause you to feel congested. If you're suffering from sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, itchy throats and even breathing difficulties, it'd be better to invest in one of the best air purifiers. 

By turning the AC off at night 'you can create a more moderate and natural sleeping environment, which is conducive to better sleep. Additionally, the absence of AC noise can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful sleeping environment.' adds Pullins. 

Alvin Pullins

Alvin Pullins is a U.S based home improvement and maintenance specialist. He's a qualified expert specializing in home improvement, organization, cleaning, and appliance maintenance. He has been featured on several media platforms and blogs where he has helped, participated, and contributed to numerous professional home-related queries. 

His passion for home improvement and maintaining household appliances began with renovating and updating his own homes. He has first-hand experience with the challenges and rewards of maintaining a comfortable and functional home.

2. Turning off your AC can alleviate aches and pains

If you have sore joints or muscles, your AC could be contributing to your aches and pains at night. As Seeley explains, 'if you have pre-existing pains, either from injury, improper posture or sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress, you should refrain from directing a fan' or having strong AC on throughout the night. This is because the concentrated cool air can make your muscles tense and cramp up, causing you even more pain. You may even notice that you have a stiff neck since using an electric fan or having your AC on, so stop using it for a few nights to see if you spot a difference.

You should, of course, consult a doctor first to help with any back pain or sleep issues. Then you should ask whether your bed set-up is to blame. An old sagging mattress lacking in support can cause severe lower back pain and spinal injury, and a pillow of the wrong size can lead to neck aches. One of the best mattresses, designed with your back in mind will make a difference in how well you sleep, and buying the right pillow will positively impact how you feel when you wake up.  

Martin Seeley

The founder and CEO of MattressNextDay, Martin Seeley knows how to overcome any sleep-related problem, offering you the most expert advice and information on a range of health and lifestyle matters. 

3. Turning off your AC at night saves money

Most energy providers will put their ratings at their lowest at night. But turning your AC off will help conserve energy and cut down on costs. If you maintain your room at a reasonable temperature all day, you don;t need to run AC at night when you won't even be awake to notice the benefit. 

Since 'AC units are among the most energy-consuming appliances in households, sometimes, reducing their usage during times when they are not essential can lead to noticeable savings over time.' says Pullins.

Chris Harvey, a heating specialist at Stelrad,further explains that 'leaving the AC running throughout the night can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and increased utility bills. Turning off your AC at night can prevent unnecessary strain on the system too, and optimize the performance of your heating. 

'By implementing this practice, you not only save on utility bills but also promote the longevity and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment, for when you need it most'.

Chris Harvey

Chris Harvey works for Stelrad, a manufacturing company creating innovate central heating with an emphasis on not just heating, but also room décor and interior design. 

Other ways to keep cool at night

Turning the AC off isn't going to do you any favors if you sleep hot. The good news is there are other ways to keep cool at night that don't rely on your air conditioning or electric fan. As a hot sleeper myself, I've tried and tested some of the best cooling bed products including the best cooling mattress, toppers, and pads that feel cool to the touch and breathable bed sheets perfect for summer months. These are the top products I'd recommend for regulating your temperature at night.  

FAQs

We're not saying to never have your AC on, especially in unbearable heat. But knowing when to turn your AC on, and off, is the trick to better sleep, and energy consumption. Alvin Pullins uses this tip to guide when it's best to use the AC: 'When outdoor temperatures are lower than your desired indoor temperature, it's a good opportunity to rely on natural ventilation'.