The drop in temperature as night approaches causes poor night air quality. Any polluted particles have slowed their movement and now tend to stay in one place. Air can no longer rise like when the temperature is warmer. This provides a vehicle for particles to move throughout the air.
Another way to think of this is temperature drops create more moisture in the air and high temperatures dry the air out.
Many are very sensitive to overnight air changes especially if you have allergies, lung and breathing problems, and will find themselves coughing and sneezing more at night.
Night time can bring on the opportunity for other challenges to rear its ugly head hence mold and mildew. The night air brings in lower temperatures and humidity rises.
With increased humidity, there is always more opportunity for mold and mildew to develop.
Turn down night air humidity by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.
If you have exhaust or ventilation fans turn them on. It will help reduce humidity. Depending on the age of your exhaust fan, it may have a humidity sensor. The sensor will trigger the exhaust fan at a preset point. It will continue to run until humidity levels are low enough to shut it down.
Table of Contents
- Pollen and Dust Mites Effect Night Air Quality
- Living with Pet Allergies
- Fine Particulate Matter and The Heart
- What Can You Do To Improve Night Air Quality
- Tools To Help Monitor Air Quality
Pollen and Dust Mites Effect Night Air Quality
Pollen another culprit of poor air quality settles on surfaces and bedding during the day. Puffing pillows and moving around on bedding can stir pollen particles up. That is why it is recommended to wash bed linen frequently to reduce exposure.
Dust mites also settle in bedding and can become airborne as we disturb surfaces that contain those particles which is also why it is recommended that bed linen is cleaned regularly to reduce exposure.
Living with Pet Allergies
We all love our pets but keep them off the bedroom linen if you have a pet allergy. Pet dander that has settled on linen during the day can trigger allergies during the night as we sleep.
Fine Particulate Matter and The Heart
What is fine particulate matter these are fine particles the size of PM2.5 or smaller (PM2.5 stands for particulate matter of the size 2.5 microns). They are too small to be seen by the naked eye. This makes them even more dangerous because instinctively we tend to move away from pollution we can see like dust particles. But these tiny particles cause our bodies to react. They are the health crisis makers. They can create moments of crisis for those with asthma and cardiovascular disease by entering the lungs and bloodstream.
Outdoors we come in contact with PM2.5 from fuel sources like gasoline, wood, exhaust from industry, etc…
We encounter them indoors from candles and energy emissions from space heaters, fireplaces, and smoking.
It is not always possible to stop all the sources of pollution but we can aim to control and limit exposure. Improving air quality can reduce health risks and have tremendous benefits.
Air pollution affects the heart in ways we never imagined. PM10, and PM2.5 particles/pollution tends to be more prevalent at night. Research has found a correlation between buildup in the arteries of calcium and PM2.5 and increased/long-term exposure reducing blood flow to the heart and vessels. The bottom line is an increased potential for heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and heart rhythm arrhythmias.
What Can You Do To Improve Night Air Quality
Avoid ceiling fans, they are dust collectors and spreaders day or night.
Curtains are dust magnets better to use blinds.
Get that ventilation going by letting in the fresh air but only if air quality is good and risks of exposure to pollutants and pollen are minimal. This is usually in the late afternoon or evening.
Use air purifiers paid link to help further improve air quality not only during the night but they can help maintain better air quality 24 hours a day.
Vacuum rooms frequently remove allergens and particulate matter so they don’t become airborne and increase your risk of exposure.
Dust using a damp microfiber cloth to reduce spreading particles in the air.
Use hypoallergenic bedding to reduce allergy triggers at night. But be careful, if you have a lamb’s wool allergy making you itch. Alpaca wool if you are a wool fan might be an alternative. Speak with your doctor or allergist regarding your specific situation. Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic.
Wash your hair regularly to remove particles of pollution and to reduce the risk of particle pollution spreading and exposure.
Depending on your level of allergies your doctor may recommend allergy shots to reduce sensitivity and to build up your immunity over time.
Technology to reduce pollution in the industry.
Tools To Help Monitor Air Quality
Many Purifiers have an air quality monitor that can alert you to changes in pollution levels during the night or day. As air quality tends to slide downward at night, you often see or hear an air purifier adjust the fan speed. It makes an accommodation for increased levels of pollution. Some models do not have an air quality monitor, you have to adjust it manually.
Here you can monitor daily air quality.
You can also purchase an air quality monitor to test pollution levels in your home.
Hawaii is the winner, with great air quality ranked #1.
U.S. states with the worst air quality are California, Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois.
What is your state’s air quality?