If you complain about this at night, the air in your home is (perhaps) too dry

During the night, the body recovers, slows down and entrusts part of its balance to the quality of the living environment. Precisely while we sleep, therefore, the air we breathe plays a central role in our overall well-being, often more than we think.

If the indoor environment has too low humidity, the body can send clear signals that we need to pay attention to, because prolonged dryness can gradually but noticeably affect health.

Warning signals that stand out in the morning

Night time is when complaints due to dry air are most evident. Upon getting up, an irritated throat, pulling or itchy skin, chapped lips and red eyes often indicate an indoor climate that is too dry. These are common symptoms during the colder months, when the heating is on for long periods of time and windows are left closed for many hours at a time.

Sleep quality also suffers: you wake up more often, have mild but persistent breathing problems and notice irritation of nasal mucous membranes or the throat. In some cases, a dry cough also develops, while the nose is congested or shows small crusts in the morning.

Among the most common signs are:

- Dry, rough or red skin

- Chapped lips with small cracks

- Sensitive eyes that burn or tear quickly

- Dry throat or a burning sensation in the throat

- Stuffy nose, especially when waking up

- Colds that keep coming back

- Dry cough during the night

In children and the elderly, the most vulnerable groups, dehydration of the mucous membranes increases the risk of infections and inflammation because the natural defenses of the respiratory tract are less effective.

Why the indoor climate is so important for your health

Living comfort does not depend only on temperature. Relative humidity - that is, the percentage ratio between the amount of water vapor in the air and that in fully water-saturated air - plays a decisive role and should be between 40 and 60 percent. Lower values can upset the balance of mucous membranes and make them more vulnerable and less protective against viruses, bacteria and particulate matter.

Traditional heating systems, such as radiators, stoves and fireplaces, often drop humidity levels quickly. Added to this is inadequate ventilation, due to modern, tightly sealed windows - no more draughts, but that's the problem - as well as because we are not accustomed to daily ventilation.

Over time, exposure to too dry air can contribute to, among other things:

- Chronic dehydration of the nose, throat and eyes

- Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections

- Restless sleep and fatigue in the morning

- Exacerbation of asthma, allergies and bronchitis

In such conditions, the immune system also has a harder time doing its job properly, as the body's natural barriers are weakened.

Here's how to check humidity and track down the causes

The simplest way to monitor indoor climate is a hygrometer: a device that allows you to measure humidity levels in real time and intervene before symptoms start showing up. Digital models, often combined with a thermometer, offer a quick and clear reading.

The main causes of dry air in the home include:

- Prolonged, vigorous heating

- Little or no air exchange

- Materials such as wood and stucco that absorb moisture

- Cold, dry outside air in the winter

Little or no airing of the bedroom, especially during the winter months, also contributes greatly to nighttime dryness.

To restore humidity to healthy levels, a few daily habits are helpful:

- Ventilate well several times a day

- Using humidifiers or placing water trays/evaporators on radiators

- Having houseplants that give off moisture

- Drying laundry inside occasionally

- Control the temperature in the house

- Clean filters and systems regularly

The choice of materials also makes a difference: choose breathable fabrics for bedding, treated furniture and small trays or bowls of water by the radiators to better balance the microclimate.

When to call in a specialist

If dryness persists and symptoms do not improve, the help of a specialized technician may be helpful to accurately assess indoor air quality. A professional inspection helps prevent possible structural damage to the home while protecting the health of the occupants.

(MP/©GreenMe.IT/translation and adaptation: The Global Lifestyle/Illustration: Vladislav Muslakov via Unsplash)