At least 21 studies have found a positive correlation between air pollution and poor sleep. If you aren’t getting enough rest, you can feel the effects the next day and long down the road. In Lake Bluff, IL, and surrounding communities along the North Shore, your home may be tightly sealed for much of the year, which allows pollutants to reach elevated levels. This blog will discuss some of the health risks linked to poor indoor air quality and ways to address the underlying causes.
How Poor Air Quality Affects Children and Adults
Indoor air quality affects everyone. Children may be more susceptible to pollutants due to their elevated respiratory rate and increased need for sleep. Adults are also affected by poor air quality. Irritants and allergens can cause congestion and inflammation that may trigger or worsen respiratory conditions, such as sleep apnea, asthma, and COPD.
Health Problems Linked to Poor Sleep
Poor sleep can lead to low energy levels, drowsiness, decreased productivity, accidents, and injuries. Sleep deficiency has also been linked to the following chronic health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Excessive weight gain
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease
- Heart attack
Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality and Sleep Patterns
Research shows that people fall asleep faster and sleep better in rooms with good air quality and balanced temperatures. While many folks keep their bedrooms tightly sealed, this can increase concentrations of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Installing a whole-house air cleaner can address these problems by increasing the clean air delivery rate. Bedding, sleepwear, climate, noise, and ambient light also affect sleep quality and duration.
Since sleep is vital for your overall health and well-being, it’s important to address environmental factors that prevent you from getting the quality rest your body needs. For more ideas on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, call Herchenbach Mechanical.
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