Should You Sleep with the Window Open in Winter? Experts Weigh In
Opening a bedroom window in winter can affect sleep in different ways. While cooler air may help some people rest better, outdoor pollution and dryness can cause problems. Experts now advise considering air quality and personal health before deciding whether to leave a window open at night.
Cooler room temperatures, ideally in the low to mid-60s Fahrenheit, often improve sleep by lowering core body temperature. This helps people fall asleep faster and reach deeper sleep stages. However, cold air can also trigger vasoconstriction, which may disrupt rest for those with low body fat or conditions like hypothyroidism.
Opening a window does not significantly increase oxygen levels but can reduce stuffiness by improving airflow. Yet, in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Leipzig, winter air quality is currently poor due to smog, traffic fumes, and wood heating. High levels of fine dust mean experts recommend keeping windows closed to avoid breathing in pollutants.
Dry air from open windows can irritate nasal passages, worsen snoring, and trigger eczema flare-ups. For those with allergies, unfiltered outdoor air may introduce allergens, leading to inflammation. Cracking a window can still be useful if the air outside is clean, the room is on an upper floor, and an air purifier is running indoors.
The decision to open a bedroom window at night depends on local air quality and individual health needs. While cooler air can aid sleep, pollution and dryness may create discomfort. Those in urban areas or with respiratory issues are advised to keep windows shut during winter nights.
