How air quality can affect your sleep?

If you have ever visited a rural place or to a resort that is in the middle of a green forest, you might notice that you had a better sleep there than what you have at your home. This is because of the fresh air.

Living in a city might bring us close to all the amenities, but it makes us far away from nature. With so much population around, air and noise pollutions are part and parcel of city life.

If you are recently getting less sleep or not getting decent sleep, then one major reason could be air pollution. Pure air is needed so that the body gets enough oxygen to function smoothly.

Both indoor and outdoor air pollution can be the major reasons of not getting decent sleep. Living in a populated area with pollution around can be harmful to the health which affects the respiratory system the most. Air quality determines the health of organs as well in the long run.

Indoor air pollution

Believe it or not, indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. It was shown in a study that indoor air had elements like VOC’s – volatile organic compounds and PBDE’s – polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

These are industrial chemicals. VOC’S are found in paint, cleaners, disinfectants, air fresheners, hobby supplies, and even on dry-cleaned clothes. You might be cleaning the house daily, but such chemicals are present in the house without you even knowing it.

PBDE’s are airborne chemicals that are used on furniture foam and fabrics. Many countries have banned it from using it. VOC’s and PBDE’s can cause inflammatory conditions like asthma and allergies.

All these chemicals affect your sleep as you inhale it along with oxygen. One place that should be free from such chemicals in the bedroom and children’s rooms room. Selecting a mattress that doesn’t have PBDE’s and painting walls that are safe is the first step in making the indoor air better.

Due to such inflammatory issues, the central nervous system gets affected, which in turn affects the sleep. When the body is not healthy, it keeps the body up and running; this affects the length of the sleep, and also you are not able to fall in deep slumber.

Apart from sleep issues, air pollution can affect the lungs and heart and can cause issues in the long run. Learn how to get better indoor air quality. 

Outside air pollution

Although indoor air is 3 to 4 times more polluted than outside, most of our day is spent outside. Outdoor air consists of car smoke, solid fuel burning, bushfire smoke, smoke emission from factories. All these, when entered our body, has an adverse effect.

Constantly inhaling the smoke can affect our lungs, causing respiratory illness. Both indoor and outdoor air can be the cause of your sleep. One of the best ways to limit inhaling the polluted air is by wearing an anti-pollution mask whenever you are outdoors.

Air purifier

If you are planning on staying in a city or any overcrowded area, then you might want to consider investing in a good quality air purifier. Air purifiers are designed in such a way that they can filter out all the impurities present in the room and offer clean air, which is good for your health.

A Hepa air purifier – high-efficiency particulate air purifier works the best. It makes the air in the room pass through a thin mesh so that all the impurities are collected in its filter.

Impurities such as pollen, dust mites, tobacco smoke, and pet dander can be collected in the filter. Many people who suffer from allergies or are sensitive to dust can use air purifiers for better health. There are various models available in the market and at different price ranges so that you can select one that suits your budget best.

Demand for air purifiers has increased in the last 5 years because people are now more cautious about the air quality they breathe in. These air purifiers have proven to be successful in improving air quality drastically.

Safer environment

Another option is to relocate to a better open space that is not so populated and has fewer pollution levels.  This might sound very drastic but good air quality is essential for long and healthy life. When you are living close to nature, you get fresh air in every breath. This helps the organs to function properly.

Living in a polluted area can not only affect your sleep but also can be a cause in major health issues. Fresh air also helps us be calm and help in the growth of the body.

If you are looking for an instant solution for better sleep, get yourself a good quality air purifier. Keeping an air purifier in the room will improve the air quality of the room, which will allow you to have a better sleep.