Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark explored how room ventilation affects sleep quality. The findings, published through ScienceDirect, show a clear link between how air moves inside a bedroom and how well people sleep.
In the study, 35 adults aged 27 to 64 without sleep disorders participated. They lived for four weeks in specially designed rooms equipped with a controllable ventilation system. During the first week, participants adapted to the new environment. In the following three weeks, researchers adjusted the ventilation intensity during nightly sleep to observe the effects on rest.
The study demonstrated that ventilation strength directly influences indoor carbon dioxide levels. Poorly ventilated rooms tended to accumulate higher CO2 concentrations, while increased ventilation lowered these levels. This relationship between air exchange and CO2 content is important, as CO2 buildup can affect comfort and concentration even during sleep.
Sleep quality was measured with objective indicators, including total sleep time, the distribution of sleep stages (non-REM and REM), and the number of awakenings per night. The results showed that lowering room CO2 through stronger ventilation correlated with fewer awakenings, deeper sleep, and less sensitivity to disturbances. In practical terms, better-ventilated rooms supported more restorative sleep patterns.
Based on these observations, researchers advised people who report poor sleep to improve nighttime air exchange. Opening windows or employing mechanical ventilation during the night can enhance air quality and, in turn, sleep. The implications extend to home design, bedroom layout, and energy considerations, suggesting that a balanced approach to ventilation can support healthier sleep outcomes.
The study grounds its conclusions in controlled conditions and serial measurements, yet it also acknowledges real-world variability. Individual preferences, room size, outdoor air quality, and seasonal differences can influence how ventilation affects sleep. Ongoing research aims to clarify how best to optimize air exchange for diverse sleeping environments, including urban apartments and larger family homes. (ScienceDirect, attribution: study details and results.)