How You Sleep Is Related to What You Breathe… and That’s Nothing to Sneeze At
There are many things that can disrupt our sleeping patterns. Caffeine after dinner. A lumpy mattress. Inconsistent bedtimes. Nightmares. Any of these things can keep us from getting the good night’s sleep that is so vital to our health.
Of course, the single biggest culprit messing with our sleep is poor air quality. It can affect even the healthiest individuals, but those with allergies have it even worse.
A recent study by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) revealed that air pollution – and the quality of air in our homes – can hurt one’s ability to sleep.
ATS officials suspected that air pollution could change your sleep because it causes upper airway irritation, swelling and congestion. They also wondered how it affects the central nervous system and brain areas that control breathing patterns and sleep.
Pollution a Pain for People Pursuing ZZZ’s
More than 1,800 people (average age 68) were studied. When comparing those with exposure to the highest levels of pollution to those with the lowest levels of pollution, the study found:
- The group with the highest levels of exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) over five years had a nearly 60 percent increased likelihood of having low sleep efficiency compared to those with the lowest NO2 levels.
- The group with the highest exposure to small particulates had a nearly 50 percent increased likelihood of having low sleep efficiency compared to those with the lowest exposure to small particulates.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air quality.
The main reason?
House dust.
It consists of the dead skin cells of humans, dust mite feces, pollen, fungus, fibers, bacteria, food particles, plant matter, insects, chemicals and more. They’re all very skilled at triggering allergic reactions, which can affect how we sleep.
Poor Sleep Is a Health Hazard
At this point, you might be asking, so what if I don’t get a great night’s sleep all the time? Other than being tired, does it really affect me that much?
Yes, it does!
There are all sorts of problems that can develop when the proper amount and quality of sleep don’t occur. Here are some of the areas of your life that can be negatively affected:
- Brain. Without proper rest, the brain isn’t as sharp as it could be. This can hurt your ability to process information, make decisions, concentrate and memorize. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can lead to hallucinations. In fact, studies show that a sleep-deprived person can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as a drunken individual. Sleep also influences your attitude. Folks who don’t get proper sleep are more prone to be moody or, worse, depressed.
- Heart. The chance of developing heart disease, or even a stroke, increases the less sleep you have. Too much sleep can have the same effect. Try to stay in the seven to nine hours per night range. If you get less than five hours or more than nine, you’re putting the health of your heart at risk.
- Immune System. A good night’s rest helps your body fight off foreign invaders that can cause infection. So when you try to survive the day on a couple of hours of sleep, you’re more likely to get sick. The proper amount of sleep is essential for strengthening your immune system. A weakened immune system can give way not only to the common cold, but to more serious conditions including various types of cancer. Sleep also helps remove the toxins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Appearance. “You look tired.” It gets no more black and white than this. When you are tired, you look the part. A well-rested person appears more vibrant. Even worse, a lack of sleep can cause you to put on the pounds because sleep deprivation slows down your metabolism. So unless you want to walk around looking like an obese corpse, make sure you get your rest.
- Sex Drive. Science shows that when you are sleep-deprived, your libido goes down and you have less interest in sex. Studies even show that it can cause men’s testosterone levels to hit abnormally low levels at night.
#1 way to sleep better at night (quick and easy fix)
It might surprise you, but there is 1 easy step you can take that has been proven to improve your sleep instantly.
You see, about a year ago, my company 4Patriots launched a revolutionary air purifier that proved very popular with folks like you…
Because it was the 1st device to give you true protection from the real-life nightmare of microscopic airborne threats and toxins that fill the air in your home… You can’t see them, but they’re all around you.
Every time we manage to get this product back in stock, we sell out in a matter of days!
Here’s the amazing part…
Ever since we launched the Alexapure Breeze, the customer reviews have been pouring in of people who are sleeping better because of it.
Just listen to what K.E. has to say:
“I’ll make this simple. Bought for my wife who has allergies and coughs through the night. Using in our bedroom and her cough of years has gone away. We both sleep better! Bonus that the unit is extremely quiet too – don’t know it is on and doing its job. Going to get a second now for the family room to cover the rest of the home. Nice unit.”
And another from Steve M.
“Stopped Snoring: I breathe easy all night. I have had more energy since the first day.”
I can even vouch for it myself… I’ve become a light sleeper as I get older, but ever since plugging the unit in my bedroom, I’m sleeping deeper, and feeling more refreshed than before.
Since my husband passed away, I keep two large dogs in the house. My youngest, a German Shepherd, sheds like heavy rain in the spring. My head is always stopped up, even though I run a robot vac everyday. I was wondering if this filter works even with dogs in the house? Thanks for any info?
I live in the Los Angles area. when sleeping I enjoy an open window, (with a screen), so that I can get a cooler house with cross ventilation. On those very heavy smog days I often can taste it. Often I have to wake up in the middle of the night and blow my nose due to all the pollutants in the air. As proof of all the contaminants that enter my home during the night all I have to do is look at the dust/dirt that is on my tables counters and other items in the home. I know you can say that I don’t keep a clean home, however, my wife just had surgery and I must keep a spic-and-span clean home, otherwise; she will get an infection(s).
To combat this problem, I have created a garden of trees and vegetation which helps filter the dirt and dust and smog from the atmosphere. Now when I sleep at night I can smell the Jasmine, coolness of the trees with a touch of moisture and a nightingale singing. To have this in a area like Los Angles, I call damn near perfect.
After getting the Breeze I was amazed. For the first time in my adult life I am able to breathe through both nostrils all the time. I am off all allergy pills and am sleeping better and deeper. Thank you!!!