General practitioners are paying attention to a widespread household habit that can unexpectedly undermine health during the cold season. We are talking about sleeping in completely sealed rooms with closed windows.
Experts explain that in an unventilated bedroom, the oxygen level critically decreases overnight and excess carbon dioxide accumulates. Such air becomes a favorable environment for the circulation of viruses and bacteria, and also causes drying of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat – the body’s natural protective barrier.
“Many people mistakenly associate winter colds solely with hypothermia. However, sleeping in stuffy, stale air is a factor that systemically weakens the immune defense, making the body more vulnerable to infections,” explained a general practitioner with 30 years of experience.
Doctors pay special attention to older people. With age, the depth of breathing often decreases, and air with a higher oxygen content is required to maintain normal blood oxygenation. Its deficiency during sleep can lead to the so-called “morning immune dip” – a state of weakness and increased susceptibility to illness after waking up.
Experts agree: it is not the temperature of the air in the room that is key, but its freshness. It is recommended to ensure a constant minimum inflow, for example, by leaving a window on micro-ventilation or regularly ventilating the bedroom before going to bed. This simple action helps maintain the required level of oxygen, normalizes humidity and reduces the concentration of pathogens in the air.
“Vitamins and a healthy diet work to their full potential only when basic physiological needs, such as breathing fresh air, are fully satisfied,” the experts summarize.
They call giving up the habit of sleeping in a sealed room one of the most effective and affordable measures to prevent seasonal diseases.
Important: This information is not a substitute for consulting a doctor. The body's response to changes in diet/training may depend on individual physiology, genetic predisposition and health status. It is recommended to consult a specialist.
