How does your Indoor Air Quality impact your sleep?

Have you ever thought about your Indoor Air Quality and how it affects your sleep?

Sleep is essential for mental health, physical health and your overall quality of life. Indoor Air quality impacts our health and well-being 24/7 and can significantly impact sleep quality.  A bad night’s sleep affects your productivity the next day.

A Danish study in 2016 found that decreased sleep caused by a lack of ventilation may lead to decreased cognitive function the following day.  Studies have also found that that people who lived in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution were 60% more likely to sleep poorly than those in regions with less pollution and that poor ventilation can lead to restless nights and groggy mornings.

Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality and Sleep

Poor IAQ can lead to various health issues that disrupt sleep, while good IAQ can contribute to more restful and uninterrupted sleep. Some of the key factors includes:

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Levels:

If you sleep with your windows and doors shut, You’re spending multiple hours asleep in an enclosed bedroom.  This allows indoor pollutants to build up in the space.  Carbon dioxide levels in your room can rise well above the recommended levels while you sleep.  Overnight exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide can lead to lower sleep efficiency (the amount of time you spend asleep in bed compared to the time you spend awake).

Temperature and Humidity:

Comfortable temperatures and good air quality make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. When the air is clean and the temperature is just right, your body can relax and move into the deep stages of sleep more easily.

The amount of moisture in the air, or humidity, also affects how your sleep. If the air is too dry, it can cause discomfort like dry skin, a dry throat and respiratory passages. If it’s too humid, it can make you feel sweaty and uncomfortable. Both situations can disrupt your sleep.

Particulate Matter (PM) and Allergens:

Indoor pollutants like dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens circulate in the air we breathe inside. They also affect breathing quality and patterns, worsen allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions and impact general comfort, leading to sleep disturbances.

Many studies have revealed a link between high PM2.5 levels and sleep apnea. It’s easy to see why. PM2.5 can easily penetrate your lungs and damage your respiratory system. In fact, it’s one of the main perpetrators of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

VOCs from paint, furniture, cleaning products, and other household items can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems, disrupting sleep.

Airborne Pathogens:

Bacteria, viruses, and mold spores can contribute to respiratory infections and allergies, leading to sleep disturbances.

Improving indoor air quality can lead to better sleep by reducing respiratory issues, minimizing allergens, and creating a more comfortable sleeping environment. Better ventilation,  maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels are crucial steps in enhancing IAQ for better sleep. Helping you wake up fresh and ready for a new day.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery can be an effective solution for maintaining indoor air quality.  To find out more about ProAir ventilation solutions for your home contact sales@proair.ie