If you are having trouble sleeping, you might want to get your indoor air quality checked out. It is well known that pollution and bad air quality is bad for your overall health, but it can also negatively affect your sleep. Both outdoor and indoor pollution is connected to sleep disordered breathing, especially sleep apnea. Studies even show that 68% of people experience poor sleep when their bedrooms expose them to particulate matter in the air. Here are some things you can do to improve your indoor air quality:
Turn on your AC
While your air conditioning keeps you and your home cool, it also keeps your air fresh and healthy. Air conditioning systems filter out particulate matter and other pollution, so they do not come into your home. To take this a step further, you could even invest in an air filter to purify your home’s air even more. If you are unable to get a whole air conditioning system, just a room air conditioner will greatly improve the air.
Quit smoking indoors
Cigarette smoke is one of the biggest contributors to indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke produces fine particulate matter which is the most dangerous element of air pollution to your health. Not to mention, cigarettes are filled with harmful carcinogenic chemicals that put your health at further risk. Smoking indoors even once is enough to contaminate the rest of your home even if all doors are closed. This is why you should never allow yourself or any other guests to smoke inside your home.
Stop using scented products
The same way cigarettes carry dangerous chemicals, so do scented products. Just because a cleaning product or a spray smells good, does not mean it is good for your health. The majority of these products use fragrances that contain particulate matter and pollute your indoor air quality. In order to avoid this, opt for cleaning products that are unscented or natural.
Get rid of the carpets
Carpets carry dust, pet hair, dirt, and other elements that can be producing more particulate matter in your home. A better option for your home would be hardwood or tile floors that are easy to clean. If you cannot remove the carpets in your home, make sure you vacuum at least twice a week to help get rid of particulates. Getting a vacuum with an air filter would be even more beneficial to your air quality.
Decorate with house plants
Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen outdoors through photosynthesis. House plants will do the same thing except inside your home. In a closed environment, plants can even clean the air and make it healthier for you to breathe. Not only do plants positively impact your indoor air, but they make great home decorations as well.
Jacksonville Sleep Center
If you have noticed you are having trouble sleeping and you think it might be due to poor air quality, Jacksonville Sleep Center can help. Jacksonville Sleep Center has physicians dedicated solely to improve your quality of sleep as well as sleep apnea specialists. Contact Jacksonville Sleep Center today to stop struggling with sleep apnea and achieve the quality of sleep you deserve.
