Is It Important to Sleep in a Healthy Building?

Introduction

Sleep is a biological necessity, essential for memory consolidation, immune function, and emotional well-being. However, one in three adults worldwide experiences inadequate sleep (World Health Organization, WHO). While much attention is given to lifestyle habits, the buildings we sleep in—our homes, apartments, and dormitories—play a crucial role in determining sleep quality. A healthy building is designed to optimize indoor conditions such as air, light, sound, and temperature, all of which directly affect rest and recovery.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Sleep

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air is often 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can disrupt sleep by causing breathing difficulties, restlessness, and nighttime awakenings. Harvard University’s Healthy Buildings Program found that improving ventilation and lowering CO₂ levels in bedrooms significantly improved sleep quality and boosted next-day cognitive performance.

Thermal Comfort and Restorative Sleep

Temperature is one of the most influential factors in sleep. According to ASHRAE Standard 55, maintaining indoor thermal comfort is critical for health. Overly warm rooms reduce deep sleep, while cold rooms can cause frequent awakenings. Maintaining bedroom temperatures between 18–22°C (64–72°F) and keeping humidity within 40–60% not only supports sleep but also prevents mold growth, a known trigger for asthma and allergies (NIOSH).

Light, Noise, and Circadian Rhythms

The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that exposure to natural light during the day and minimized artificial blue light at night improves circadian regulation. Healthy buildings increasingly integrate daylight-responsive systems and tunable artificial lighting to support natural sleep cycles.

Noise also has a major impact: chronic exposure to traffic or indoor noise disrupts deep sleep and increases stress. The World Green Building Council (WGBC) emphasizes acoustic design—through insulation, layouts, and glazing—as essential for healthier and more restful spaces.

Beyond Comfort: Mental and Physical Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that poor sleep is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. By providing cleaner air, better lighting, controlled temperatures, and acoustic comfort, healthy buildings reduce these risks and improve long-term health outcomes.

Conclusion

Yes—it is profoundly important to sleep in a healthy building. Our bedrooms are where we spend nearly one-third of our lives, and the conditions within them influence how well we rest and recover. A healthy building does not just save energy or meet codes; it actively supports human health, ensuring that every night of sleep becomes a foundation for resilience, productivity, and well-being.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Global sleep and health statistics

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Indoor Air Quality Guidelines

• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Healthy Buildings Program

• ASHRAE – Standard 55: Thermal Comfort Conditions

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Mold, dampness, and respiratory health risks

• International Energy Agency (IEA) – Daylighting and circadian rhythm studies

• World Green Building Council (WGBC) – Health, Well-being, and Productivity in Buildings