Can children sleep with air conditioning in summer?

Summer is here, and with it, endless nights of tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep. The heat is oppressive, pajamas stick to your body, and opening the window doesn't always help , especially if you live in a warm area or one with frequent heat waves.
And then the big question arises, especially for those with babies or young children at home: Can they sleep with the air conditioning on? Won't they catch a cold?
The good news is that yes, they can sleep with air conditioning . However, we must follow basic recommendations to avoid overdoing it and making our little ones' rooms feel like the North Pole, making them sleep even more uncomfortable than if it were hot.
Air conditioning at night: yes, but with precautions
Air conditioning isn't an enemy. In fact, in many parts of Spain, it's practically essential for getting some rest. Children, like adults, also suffer the consequences of the heat: they have trouble falling asleep, wake up more often during the night, are more irritable, and sleep less well.
Of course, the air must be used properly. Improper use can cause dry mucous membranes, throat irritation, or even make us sleep more uncomfortably if the temperature is too low or the air stream is directed directly at the bed.
But before you think about air conditioning, try to implement some measures that will help your children get into bed without being too stuffy.
For example, open the windows in your house and leave them open at night . This works if you live in an area where the temperature drops at night or if you manage to get a good amount of draft in your home.
It's also a good idea to take a shower before going to bed and sleep in pajamas that aren't too warm.
How to use air conditioning safely?
Here are some practical tips to help your children sleep safely with the air conditioning on:
- Proper temperature: Ideally, the room should be between 24 and 26°C . It doesn't need to be cold, just comfortable.
- Avoid direct drafts: Make sure the air doesn't blow directly onto the child . Point the slats upwards or towards a wall.
- Use a timer: If your appliance allows it, set the air conditioner to turn off one or two hours after your child falls asleep . The body usually regulates its temperature better once it falls asleep.
- Watch the humidity: Air conditioning dries out the air. If you have a humidifier, you can use it in conjunction with it to prevent dry throat or nose.
- Ventilate the room in the morning : This will refresh the air and prevent moisture and dust from accumulating.
And the fans?
Another popular option in summer is fans. Although they don't cool the room like air conditioning, they help create a very pleasant feeling of freshness .
If you opt for a fan:
- Do not put it directly on the child's body .
- You can place it near a window to allow air to circulate from outside.
- Some parents place a frozen bottle in front of the fan to cool the air slightly (a home trick that can work in very hot rooms).
What if he catches a cold?
One of the most common concerns is that a child might catch a cold because of the wind. But it's important to clarify that colds are caused by viruses, not by the cold or air conditioning . What can happen is that if the air is too dry or cold, the mucous membranes of the nose or throat can become irritated, which can cause discomfort similar to a cold. Therefore, it's key to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid direct air blowing on them.
In summary…
Sleeping well in summer is possible if we use the air conditioning or fan properly. Children also have the right to a good night's sleep, without waking up sweaty or uncomfortable.
And remember: neither the air conditioner nor the fan are dangerous if used wisely. The key is to avoid extremes and maintain a cool, but not cold, environment.
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