Heavy Air in Your Bedroom? The Invisible Dirt You’re Breathing at Night

As you lie down in bed, you're hoping for sleep, ease and peace. There are no lights on and the bedroom is peaceful and everything is quiet. But, while you're sleeping your body, the air you breathe could be anything but pure. In the dark, there is a mixed mix of allergens, dust particles and chemicals--an invisibly thick cover made up of "heavy air" that slowly affects your body throughout the night.

The Hidden Composition of "Heavy Air"


The bedroom may appear clean. However, the science of it tells an entirely different tale. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in particular PM2.5 is a key impact on the indoor air pollution. These tiny particles are derived from common sources such as skin flakes, dust mites pet dander, as well as outdoors air that enters. Due to their small dimensions, they are able to travel through the lungs to even get into the bloodstream.

An enlightening study First National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing carried out by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in the United States, revealed just how hazardous the bedroom environment are. Researchers under the direction of Peter J. Vojta found that samples of dust collected from American residences were contaminated with significant levels of allergens derived from rodents, cockroaches as well as dust mites. The concentrations of allergens in these samples were typically over safe levels, causing fears for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Apart from dust and other dust-related particles, volatile organic compound, also known as VOCs are a major source of VOCs. They are released by furniture, mattresses paints, cleaning products. As time passes, they build up within enclosed areas. Carbon dioxide can also build over time when you breathe into an enclosed space, and especially during the night. Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Indoor pollution from the air could result in headaches, irritation and even long-term health risks like cancer and heart disease.

How Nighttime Air Affects Your Body

The body heals itself. However, polluted air disrupts the process. Inhaling contaminated air may affect sleep in a subtle way which can leave you tired regardless of how long you stayed asleep.

Studies from research conducted in the United States has consistently highlighted the impact of indoor air on breathing health. The NIEHS results showed that dust particles in bedrooms greatly increase the likelihood of suffering from asthma attacks, specifically among young children. An additional study carried out by Cohn and co. at NIEHS discovered that allergens from mice were found in a third of American houses, further highlighting the magnitude of the exposure.

The work of Brandon Boor from the University of Texas in the United States adds another layer to the problem. The study showed that even the simplest actions during sleep, such as tossing and turning can resuspend dust particles in the air, thereby increasing the amount of dust you breathe. Also the movements you make during sleep could cause the same pollutants you breathe in throughout the night.

In time, the amount of exposure increases. The EPA cautions that long-term contact with particles of fine like PM2.5 may cause chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function, or even cancer. In general, indoor concentrations are greater than those outdoors and bedrooms are a highly sensitive area.

What Studies Across the U.S. Reveal

All across throughout the United States, multiple studies provide a common view of challenges to indoor air quality. In the United States, studies by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in its tests of household dust, determined the fact that over 90% of American homes were contaminated with a variety of hazardous chemical compounds. Some of these chemicals, such as flame retardants are believed to trigger irritation in the respiratory system, and interfere with the normal functioning of our bodies.

The findings are in line with the larger studies on the health of our environment across the U.S., which shows that Americans are spending nearly 90% of their day indoors. That makes the condition of indoor air, specifically in bedrooms, a crucial element in the overall health of a person.

Clearing the Air for Better Sleep

It's good to know the fact that improving air quality in bedrooms doesn't require major changes. Simple, regular actions can be effective in bringing about a positive change.

Ventilation is among the most effective ways to combat this. In allowing fresh air to circulate, it can help reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide as well as indoor pollutant. Just opening the window will increase airflow, and result in an environment that is healthier for sleeping.

A regular cleaning routine can also play a significant role. It is recommended that the EPA advises the use of high-efficiency particulate air filters on vacuum cleaners in order to catch tiny dust. The process of washing bedding in hot water is a great way to reduce dust mites that are a primary cause of allergies identified in NIEHS studies.

Controlling exposure to chemicals is equally crucial. Mattresses and furniture that have been recently purchased need to be cleaned prior use in order to decrease VOC emission. By choosing products with low emissions and decreasing the use of chemicals that are harsh to clean will further enhance the quality of indoor air.

In cities where pollution from the outdoors is an issue air purifiers with HEPA filters could be beneficial. Based on NRDC tests, these machines will reduce the levels of dust in indoor air up to 50 % to 80 which makes them an effective alternative for keeping the air cleaner.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

The concept that there is "heavy atmosphere" in the bedroom isn't an unproven theory, but is actually supported through years of research from across all of the United States. From massive housing surveys conducted of NIEHS to the environmental assessment of The EPA and NRDC The message is evident. Air you breathe when you sleep plays a vital part in your overall health and wellbeing.

In the absence of it, you'll allow an unnoticed problem to influence your sleep, respiratory system, as well as your overall well-being. By paying attention in the opposite way could make your bedroom the place it was intended to be: a place that is truly a sanctuary for peace and relaxation.