How does indoor air quality affect sleep?

Studies in adults² and children³ have made connections between poor indoor air quality and sleep, including:

• sleep efficiency (the percentage of time in bed actually asleep)
• ability to initiate and maintain sleep 
• breathing during sleep
• daytime drowsiness.

We share our bedrooms with a collection of biological particles and allergens that are often inhaled during sleep. Mattresses, pillows and bedding can collect house dust mites, allergens, bacteria and fungi from humans and pets. These biological materials can accumulate in settled dust and they're easily agitated when we move during sleep.

While we might be conscious of the dust in our homes, we may not be as aware of the effects it can have on air quality. Dust particles, which are small enough to be airborne, are inhaled through the nose and mouth. The smallest particles can travel into the lungs and may cause illness.⁴  

The dust in our home is largely formed of dead skin cells, among other things like pollen, bacteria, and hair. Dust mites – tiny creatures, about a quarter of a millimetre long – live off these dead skin cells. The proteins found in their droppings are one of the major indoor triggers for people with allergies and asthma.⁵  Some people with dust mite allergies experience symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, an itchy nose, a cough and watering eyes.

Most exposure to dust occurs while sleeping and when it's disturbed, such as when bed-making. Dust mite allergy symptoms can all affect the quality of our sleep.

Some materials used in mattresses and bedding products contain plasticisers and flame-retardants.⁶  These chemicals are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which can easily be released into the air at room temperature. The longer we spend in close contact with bedroom pollutant sources, the more VOCs we’re exposed to.

During sleep, our bodies also increase the surface temperature of our mattresses, while sweating and the buffering capacity of bedding materials increase humidity.⁷ Increases in temperature and humidity create optimal conditions for house dust mites and help release VOCs into the air.⁷,⁸

Pollen allergies can cause similar symptoms to dust mite and pet allergies. These include eye and throat itchiness, sneezing and coughing, a runny or blocked nose, and wheezing.¹⁰

With different types of pollen spiking at different times of the year, pollen allergies can cause significant disruption to sleep. 

Pollen season starts in spring and may last until autumn, depending on the specific pollen allergy. And if you live in the countryside, symptoms can feel worse compared to city residents due to the raised levels of plantation and exposed greenery.

Improving your indoor air quality and reducing the amount of allergens you’re exposed to can help to reduce the likelihood of allergic symptoms being triggered.

We recommend using air purifiers, such as purifier humidifiers, purifier fans and purifier heaters, to take control of your bedroom environment. Dyson purifiers use HEPA H13 filtration and capture ultrafine dust and allergens. They use powerful airflow and capture 99.95% of ultrafine particles¹¹ – so you can breathe cleaner air.

To minimise sleep disturbance, use Night mode for filtration with lower sound levels. Sleep timer enables pre-set intervals of use. 

Pollen, pet dander and dust mites stick to just about anything – including bedding and laundry. It’s important to wash bedclothes and bedding regularly plus vacuum your mattress, as particles can lie deep within the fibres.  

Using a powerful handheld vacuum cleaner, you can capture allergens from within your bed. Pair this with a Mattress tool to remove dirt and allergens from your mattress and upholstery. Not only will this support your management of allergy triggers, but it will also help your bed remain a clean and welcoming place to rest. 

Pollen can feel predictable but understanding how it changes and develops is key in preparing for those otherwise sleepless nights.  

Several apps and forecasts are available, offering advice about pollen count, how to help relieve symptoms, and prepare for the days when pollen is likely to be at its peak. 

We know poor indoor air quality is a common source of sleep issues. By reducing your exposure to airborne pollutants and improving home indoor air quality, you're taking a beneficial step towards quality sleep.