how important is humidity to a ball python's health?

[Skiploder]

My issue is the opposite. I'm still trying to increase the humidity because it hovers in the 45% range. I also keep fiddling with the temperature on both sides. First it was way too wide a range (78°-98°!!) and now it's all the same (86°) on both sides.

You humidity is fine.

Provide a humid hide and don't worry about it.