Letting in fresh air isn’t always a year round perk. It’s one that, depending on the weather, can only be enjoyed a few short months out of the year. Even then, we’re dependent on humidity levels, rains, and more. Only when Mother Nature is just right, can we open our windows and let the breeze fly. (That is, for those of use who don’t suffer from extreme allergies.) It’s a practice that helps cool off the house, while bringing in pleasant scents from the outdoors; nothing quite beats the smell of fresh air naturally working its way through a home.

But aside from these aesthetic perks, sleeping with open windows can actually offer some serious benefits. Ones that work to improve your health while your sleeping.

Sleeping Perks From Fresh Air

Oftentimes, people are able to sleep better with the presence of fresh air. Just think of your latest camping trip. Even though you may have had more elements to deal with, chances are, so long as your sleeping surface was cozy, you got plenty of sound sleep. Now just imagine if you could recreate those same variables in the comfort of your own bed … with working facilities. The effects would be even further intensified. The presence of fresh air allows the body to achieve a deeper level of relaxation, eliminating excess stress or anxiety that can keep you from sleeping (or sleeping deeply) at night.

Additionally, the sound of blowing wind can create a sound buffer that soothes you to sleep. While vents kick off and on, breeze flows constantly. It’s also a natural way for air to move, while heaters and AC units are their manufactured counterparts.

Another main benefit of sleeping with fresh air in tow is that of detoxification. Many know that the body works day and night in order to remove toxins from its borders, but did you know breathing – especially during sleep – helps further this process? Most days, when our windows are shut, we breathe those same toxins back in, having released them into our surroundings. But with open windows, the air is able to replace itself, allowing us fresh, clean air to breath, not that which is filled with our own forms of waste. A process that allows us to feel more rested, and more refreshed the next day.

Finally, the presence of fall temperatures allows our rooms to become slightly chilly. While it might mean a few extra blankets are needed at first, once heating up, the drop will allow you to sleep much deeper throughout the night. In contrast, when heaters are on (or air conditioners), we tend to keep our homes at a more comfortable temperature. But with naturally dropping temps throughout the night, we’re able to benefit from natural adjustments that come with each sunset.

An Open Window Policy

If you decide to sleep with your windows open, there are a few things to consider. For instance, are you in need of an air purifier (perfect for gentle allergy sufferers)? Do you live on the first floor? And if so, should you implement the security of a home burglary system? Finally, will you continue to leave your windows open during the day? Even when you’re not home?

These secondary issues should be addressed, that way you and your significant other (and/or family) can all enjoy the nighttime benefits of an open window. Considering it’s such a simple way to get better sleep, hashing out a few additional points is a small price to pay.

Start opening your windows at night to receive deeper, more functional bouts of sleep.