Fresh Air Does Wonders For Insomnia
People who live in highly variable climates often find that their insomnia has seasons of its own. Commonly sufferers find it harder to sleep during Autumn and Winter. One school of thought attributes increased insomnia in the winter to fewer hours of daylight or a side effect of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Whilst these explanations may have some merit it is also possible that the culprit is something a little simpler. For some people, the solution to seasonal insomnia may be to simply open a window. The flow of fresh air into their bedroom appears to help many people fall asleep.
Naturally, during the spring and summer we tend to open our home's windows to enjoy the flow of fresh air, which relaxes us and helps us drop off to sleep.
Now, come the cooler winter nights our instincts may be to shut ourselves in from the weather. The idea of opening a window on a frosty night seems to contradict common sense. We may not connect any bouts of insomnia with those closed windows but it is certainly something to consider.
A house that is closed up against the cold becomes stale inside. The air does not circulate and the atmosphere becomes stuffy. This alone can cause some people to have difficulty sleeping.
If it really is too cold to crack open your bedroom window, there are other ways to condition the air in your home. Here are some suggestions you can try:
A ceiling fan. Not only will a ceiling fan keep your bedroom cool during the summer, they will also help keep the circulation going in the winter.
An air purifier. These can be
purchased online
as well as at your local hardware store. Try using a mobile air purifier - place one in your bedroom at night and then move it around your house with you during the day.
Your Furnace/Central Heating System. Most modern furnaces are designed to aid the circulation of air throughout a home. They can also keep the air clean.
If you are lucky enough to live where the temperature doesn't ever get too cold, you may be able to keep your window open a bit the whole year through. Maintaining a steady flow of fresh into your bedroom will decrease the likelihood of you developing insomnia, because you won't be re-breathing the same stale over and over again.
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