You go to bed on time, but still don't wake up feeling truly rested. Or perhaps you notice that you get tired more quickly when you're at home during the day than you do in other places. In addition to sleep habits and general health, your home's indoor climate can play a role, especially in the bedroom.
Which factors can contribute to fatigue
A high CO2 level during sleep
In a bedroom with the door and windows closed all night, the CO2 level can rise significantly, especially if two people are sleeping in the room. Many people notice that elevated CO2 levels lead to less refreshing sleep and a groggy feeling upon waking, even if the total sleep duration is sufficient. In its tips for healthy indoor air, the Lung Foundation (Longfonds) cites research showing that people feel more energetic when there is good ventilation in the bedroom.
A temperature that is too high or too low
A bedroom that is too warm disrupts sleep because the body struggles to cool down. For most people, a temperature of around 16 to 18 degrees is considered pleasant for a bedroom.
Excessive humidity
A damp, stuffy bedroom feels heavier and can contribute to a musty feeling upon waking. A relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is considered comfortable for most people.
Particulate matter and allergens
If you have an allergy to dust mites, pollen, or pets, a disrupted night's sleep due to mild, often unnoticed symptoms like a stuffy nose can contribute to daytime fatigue. You can find an overview of the symptoms that can be caused by polluted indoor air on the Lung Foundation's page on unhealthy indoor air.
What you can do yourself
- Ventilate the bedroom before going to sleep. Open the window wide for fifteen minutes to reset the CO2 level and temperature.
- Use a ventilation grille or leave the window slightly ajar in a secure manner if keeping it fully open at night is not possible or desirable.
- Keep the bedroom cool. Do not heat the room too much before going to bed.
- Regulate the humidity. If the bedroom is structurally too damp, a dehumidifier can help keep it below 60 percent.
- Limit allergens. Wash bedding regularly at high temperatures and vacuum with a HEPA filter.
What equipment can and cannot solve
An air purifier or dehumidifier is not a substitute for ventilation: only fresh air from outside can lower the CO2 level. What these devices can do is further improve the air that is already inside. For a bedroom that is too damp, the AirPure DH251 is a suitable choice for reducing humidity. In case of issues caused by dust, pollen, or pet allergens, the AirPure Plus PA244 is a good addition, thanks to its HEPA13 filter and quiet night mode.
If the fatigue persists despite these adjustments, it is wise to discuss other causes, such as sleep quality or underlying health issues, with a doctor. View our full range of products at dynter.eu.