IS YOUR HEATING HARMING YOUR HEALTH?

There are ways to stay cosy indoors without it affecting your wellbeing

- ALI HORSFALL

As temperatures drop, flicking on the heating is a comfort many of us rely on. But it's not just soaring energy costs you have to worry about when staying toasty - from sniffles to poor sleep, being cooped up in an overheated house can take a toll on your health. Here’s what you need to know when warming your home.

Breathe better Warm, dry air can worsen respiratory conditions, and coughing, wheezing or congestion can also be triggered by dust, and other irritants that circulate. Regularly dust, change your bedding and vacuum thoroughly - including your mattress - using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

Protect your skin When the central heating is on, a lack of moisture in the air leaves skin, eyes and lips feeling dry and irritated. The likelihood of premature ageing increases, too. ‘Low humidity in the home contributes to transepidermal water loss, where water evaporates from the skin into the air, accelerating dehydration and leaving the skin feeling tight, rough and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles,’ says skin care specialist Rhysa Phommachanh at Landy's Chemist. Make sure you...