Most people tend to close their windows when sleeping, especially urban dwellers, not only to block out noise but also to conserve energy when using air conditioning in summer or heating in winter. Safety concerns and privacy also lead many to avoid opening windows at night.
However, from a health perspective, this habit can pose significant risks. When windows and doors are closed, the air inside the room becomes stagnant, which can harm the respiratory system and sleep quality.
Studies show that during sleep, humans inhale about 300ml of O₂ and exhale about 250ml of CO₂ per minute. In poorly ventilated spaces, where windows and doors are closed, CO₂ levels can rise significantly, even exceeding safe thresholds.
One individual experimented by sleeping in a room with the air conditioner on and all windows and doors closed. The next morning, the CO₂ level was eight times higher than outdoors, surpassing 3000 ppm. Another real-life experiment in a dormitory with four people sleeping with closed windows and doors showed a rapid increase in CO₂ levels.
Sleep quality is closely tied to the sleeping environment, with air freshness being a critical factor. Nighttime is when the body relaxes, recovers, and replenishes energy.
Sleeping in a closed room with stagnant air can impair lung function, leading to restless sleep. Waking up feeling tired and unwilling to get out of bed is a common result.
Moreover, polluted air lacking oxygen increases the concentration of bacteria, dust, and other harmful substances. Breathing in these pollutants can severely impact health.
In summary, ensuring proper ventilation during sleep is essential for maintaining fresh air in the room.
Should you open windows while sleeping?
In reality, it’s not always feasible, such as during rain, strong winds, or cold winter nights when closing windows is necessary to stay warm. In cold, humid climates, closing windows prevents joint-related illnesses.
During dusty, foggy, or polluted conditions, keeping windows closed is advisable. Elderly individuals with chronic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis should sleep with closed windows. If there’s a strong cross-breeze, closing one window or door can prevent direct exposure to cold air.
How to ventilate a closed room during sleep?
Nighttime ventilation is crucial, but opening windows isn’t always possible. Installing a ventilation system (air purifier with fresh air supply) is an effective solution.
A ventilation system, or fresh air machine, combines ventilation and air filtration. When windows are closed, the system continuously brings in fresh, oxygen-rich air from outside while expelling stale indoor air through exhaust vents in the kitchen or bathroom, ensuring complete air exchange.
The incoming air is filtered through multiple layers, removing dust, PM2.5, vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and other contaminants. The purified air is clean and safe to breathe.
Some may worry about noise from ventilation systems disrupting sleep. The noise level depends on the machine; choose one with a noise level below 45dBA and avoid those above 55dBA, as higher noise can be bothersome.
Higher airflow capacity typically means more noise. When purchasing, check two things: first, whether the lowest setting (sleep mode) can supply fresh air all night, and second, the noise level at this setting. Opt for the quietest option available, ideally near-silent.
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