Does Air Quality Really Affect Your Sleep?
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Does air pollution affect your sleep? Pollution can irritate your nose, sinuses and back of the throat, making it difficult to breathe while you sleep. The pollutants that enter your bloodstream can affect your brain’s ability to regulate your breathing. Poor indoor air quality can also affect your sleep. To help you get better sleep, try improving ventilation in your home. Read on for more information. Until next time, happy sleep!
Indoor air pollution increases the risk of developing sleep apnea
In recent years, scientists have found a correlation between the indoor air quality of a person’s home and the development of sleep apnea. In particular, studies have shown that air pollution, particularly PM2.5 (2.5 micrometer) particles, increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The amount of this air pollutant is higher in areas with higher pollution levels, and the symptoms of this condition are more severe in those living in these areas.
Researchers have found that a five-microgram increase in the amount of particulate matter in air near the home of participants increased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea by 60%. This increase was seen in people from all socioeconomic and income backgrounds. The effect of air pollution on the body was consistent across all the participants, regardless of the socioeconomic status of their neighborhoods.
Researchers are now investigating the relationship between air pollution and the development of sleep apnea. A 2010 study suggests that air pollution affects blood oxygen levels during sleep, resulting in low blood oxygen levels. Because poor air quality can affect the quality of sleep, air pollution has the potential to increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. This study provides new information for people who live in high-polluted areas.
While indoor air pollution is a known cause of OSA, the relationship between air pollution and the condition is not conclusive. The study was not controlled for other factors, including light pollution and noise. The researchers could not adjust for these factors, which would influence the quality of sleep. There may also be other underlying factors involved. And although the association between air pollution and sleep apnea is not causal, the study suggests that air pollution increases the risk of sleep apnea.
Humidity increases the risk of developing sleep apnea
Researchers at a sleep research center in Taiwan studied the influence of temperature on a number of sleep parameters. Their results showed that higher temperatures increased the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, increased temperature was associated with decreased snoring index and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI). The researchers also found that higher temperatures were associated with a longer wake time after sleeping.
People who suffer from sleep apnea should take steps to reduce the risk of the disorder. Lifestyle changes can improve mild symptoms. Some people can use nasal allergy medications or sleep-apnea-related appliances to open their airways. For more severe cases, surgery is needed. A sleep study will help the doctors identify the cause of the problem. Those with sleep apnea should be careful about their medications.
Humidity also has an effect on the sleep cycle. High humidity can cause breathing problems, increase nighttime sweating, and disturb the sleep cycle. Additionally, high relative humidity increases the risk of respiratory infections and mold, which may trigger sleep disruptions. Sleep apnea can be caused by airborne allergens, so reducing humidity in the bedroom can improve your sleep quality.
A person’s weight and cranial facial characteristics may contribute to their risk of obstructive sleep apnea. An overweight person’s throat muscles may become relaxed and collapse during sleep, resulting in shortness of breath. People with high blood pressure are also at risk of developing sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to strokes and high blood pressure.
People with respiratory conditions that are prone to respiratory problems are at a higher risk for OSA. In addition, people with asthma are at an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea. It can result in stoppages of breathing for seconds. These pauses in breathing are often followed by an audible snore. Those affected by sleep apnea may wake up feeling sleepy and unable to concentrate on tasks during the day.
Asthma is caused by poor indoor air quality
There’s a strong link between poor indoor air quality and asthma in children, and even mild exposure can cause the disease. Studies have shown that even a 10-mg/m3 increase in PM2.5 can increase the number of days a child will wheeze by 7%. Moreover, pollution from a faulty furnace or damp walls can also cause indoor air to become dirty and contain harmful pollutants.
Asthma is triggered by environmental conditions, such as dust in the air, chemicals, smoke, and pet dander. While these conditions are common triggers for asthma, poor indoor air quality may contribute to the development of asthma in some people. Asthma sufferers should record their symptoms in a diary and write down the time, place, and activity where they experience asthma. Write down all the possible triggers, including dust mites, as this could be the source of asthma attacks.
There are several things you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air. For one, staying smoke-free and avoiding wood smoke are the two easiest ways to improve your indoor air quality. Also, avoid using scented or irritant products around the house. Avoid these products and go for all-natural, unscented detergents. If you’re still not convinced, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information.
Improper indoor air quality is a major contributor to asthma symptoms. In addition to irritant air particles, pollutants can also cause allergic reactions. The more polluted the air, the more likely a person will experience asthma symptoms. The EPA lists poor indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental health risks. In addition, poor indoor air quality can worsen pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.
One of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality is to check your home for possible triggers. Each room has specific odors that may cause an asthma attack. Check for the occurrence of these odors, and seek medical advice if necessary. You can also check the condition of your central heating and air cooling equipment. If they are dirty, consider changing it. Also, check the temperature and humidity levels in the room.
Ventilation improves sleep
One recent study examined whether a new ventilator technique, auto-servo ventilation, improves sleep quality. In this study, 13 patients in the medical-surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary university were randomized to receive ASV or pressure support ventilation on the first night and crossed over to the alternative mode the following night. Measurements of light, noise, and airway pressure and flow were collected during sleep.
The study used a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 100. It assessed sleep quality in terms of arousal and restfulness, with a higher score indicating higher sleep quality. Subjects also answered four questions regarding the nature of their sleep: whether they felt rested or woke up during the night, and whether mechanical ventilation or ambient noise disturbed their sleep. Overall, patients reported no significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups.
There are two possible explanations for this association. Either the ventilation improves sleep by reducing carbon dioxide levels, or both. Either way, the two approaches have many advantages. Increasing airflow through opening the windows and doors during the night is a proven method to improve sleep quality. Furthermore, a single study found that habituation to mechanical ventilation improved sleep quality in dependent subjects, and a second study suggested that ventilation can be beneficial for sleep.
Although the effects of ventilation on sleep quality in ALS patients are well-known, few studies have investigated their effect on sleep in subjects who have undergone prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, a recent study by Nardi et al. found that cuffed low-pressure tubes improved gas exchange in patients with respiratory muscle weakness, but that uncuffed tubes had a twofold higher arousal index.
Trisha is the lead writer @ AirQualityShop.com She also writes in the wellness and green space. On AirQualityShop.com Trisha specializes in pure air product reviews and DIY articles.