It\u2019s no secret that everyone has their unique preferences for sleeping. In fact, there are so many variables that can go into what makes for a good night\u2019s sleep, including your eating habits and activity level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach person experiences the combination of these factors in unique ways based in small part on their genetics and more so on their cumulative life experience,\u201d says Marcus Coplin, naturopathic medical doctor and medical director for\u00a0The Springs Resort<\/a>\u00a0in Pagosa Springs, Colo. \u201cSo the determinants of a good night’s sleep are variable from person to person\u2014but don’t forget that sleep is about the right environment.”\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Coplin notes, what’s considered a cozy, safe, sleep-inducing environment to some may be totally uncomfortable to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some individuals, sleeping with the window open overnight is one of their top preferences. But is this a good idea? And can leaving a window open improve sleep? Ahead, we\u2019ll explore the pros and cons of sleeping with the window open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of sleeping with a window open have to do with the fresh air this allows into a house. \u201cA fresh supply of oxygen is important to a good night’s sleep,\u201d Coplin says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you sleep in a closed room, your body converts the oxygen in the room to carbon dioxide, slowly but persistently increasing the levels of CO2 in the air, explains Coplin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s highly unlikely you’ll suffocate while sleeping with a closed window, “but the fresh, cool air brings with it a fresh supply of the life-driving gas oxygen, which helps keep our levels up while we sleep,\u201d notes Coplin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research done in animals found that exposure to oxygen during sleep<\/a> prompts the brain to stay in deep sleep<\/a>. This stage of sleep is crucial because it’s when your body repairs itself. It’s also key for making sure you have ample energy the next day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s more, sleeping with the window open may help regulate the temperature of your bedroom and ensure it doesn’t get too stuffy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping with a window open doesn’t come without its potential drawbacks. Above all, it’s important to put safety first and minimize security concerns. \u201cMake sure that you are not exposing yourself to an unsafe situation,” says Coplin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n What about the weather? If you’re expecting inclement weather, beyond ensuring your room doesn’t get wet, the safety concerns are relatively low, says Coplin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Remember: Babies in Northern countries are swaddled and put into outdoor cribs for naps\u2014and sleeping porches were once very en vogue to allow for a safe but essentially outdoor sleeping environment,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A couple of other downsides to keep in mind: Depending on where you live, you may expose yourself to outside noise that makes it harder to fall asleep if you keep your window open. Additionally, an open bedroom window could allow unwanted allergens<\/a> into your bedroom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In these cases, you may want to consider using a white noise machine<\/a> and setting up an air purifier if you’d like to sleep with your window open. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re really worried about the potential ill effects of sleeping with an open window, you can do what Coplin’s family does and air out the house (or even just the bedroom) at least once per day.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven opening the windows in the room for an hour before bed can fill the room with fresh air and set you up for a good night’s rest,\u201d says Coplin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the benefit of fresh, cool oxygen entering your sleeping space, as long as it\u2019s safe to keep your window open, the benefits can outweigh the cons in this case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI sleep with my window open every night,” says Coplin.\u00a0“I think the pros are high and the cons are pretty minimal and controllable.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes! An open window invites in cool, oxygenated breezes that can help you sleep better at night, according to Coplin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping with a window open while sick is actually part of Coplin\u2019s prescription for colds and flu<\/a>, \u201calong with good hydration<\/a>, very light eating (broths and tea mostly), hot water baths<\/a> (or sauna<\/a> if available), and ample rest.\u201d These are the ingredients your body needs to launch a complete and successful immune response, he explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a superstition that may be rooted in old Chinese medicine and folk medicine traditions. \u201cChinese medicine talks about \u2018invading wind,\u2019 and folk traditions may speak of a \u2018bad wind\u2019 leading to early signs of illness like a sore throat,” says Coplin. “For the most part, the sore throat may be brought up by cold exposure, say from an open window, but it is unlikely that that is the cause.” <\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of sleeping with a window open<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dangers of sleeping with a window open<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The bottom line on sleeping with the window open<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is it good to sleep with a window open?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does sleeping with the window open help a cold?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Does sleeping with a window open cause a sore throat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can sleeping with the window open give you a headache?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n