Understanding the Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Your Sleep

Climate change has rendered us susceptible to an increasing number of environmental hazards, one of which is the ever-increasing incidences of wildfires. We’re acutely aware of their threat to our homes, properties, and the environment. However, it’s crucial to understand that these fires also pose a serious risk to our health, particularly our sleep patterns.

Unraveling the Perils of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires instigate a significant threat to our respiratory system. Smoke from these fires comprises various respiratory irritants, including particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and thousands of airborne chemicals, many of which are toxic.

However, the most significant risk emerges from ultrafine particles we inhale during a fire. These microscopic particles can cause nasal congestion and eye irritation. Even if you’re not proximal to the fire, these chemicals can travel hundreds of miles, wreaking havoc on your health.

Health Impacts and Risks

Everyone’s reaction to wildfire smoke will vary. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several groups likely to be at a higher risk:

• Individuals with preexisting heart or lung conditions
• Elderly people
• Children, who are still developing their airways and breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults
• Pregnant women

Wildfire Smoke and Its Influence on Sleep

The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 highlighted air pollution as a leading global disease burden and a significant mortality risk factor. The World Health Organization attributes 4.2 million premature deaths globally to ambient air pollution.

Smoke from wildfires can intensify air pollution to perilous levels. Long-term exposure to such dense air pollution can inflict damage on our central nervous system. The particles can infiltrate various brain regions integral to good sleep, including the frontal cortex and cerebellum.

When these brain regions are compromised, inflammation is a common response, resulting in constricted airways in both the throat and nose. Higher levels of air pollution have also been associated with an increase in feelings of depression and anxiety, which are known to disrupt sleep.

For communities living in high-risk areas, the stress of ongoing fires could have as much of a mental toll as a physical one. Recognizing the symptoms of smoke exposure is a crucial preventive measure:

• Burning eyes
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue

While these symptoms could be indicative of other conditions or illnesses, it’s vital to be aware of them, especially if you’re living in a high-risk area.

Shielding Yourself from Wildfire Smoke

In addition to maintaining the ideal bedroom environment for sleep, it’s crucial to understand how the external environment, particularly wildfire smoke, can influence your indoor air quality. Below are some steps to protect your home from dangerous air pollution:

• Keep windows closed and disable continuous ventilation systems: Air pollutants in wildfire smoke are gradually removed as the indoor air comes in contact with materials and surfaces. Slowing the air pollutant influx can accelerate this process.

• Invest in a home filtration system: Whether it’s a forced air system or a standalone device, a home air filter can drastically improve air quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides valuable information on air cleaning technologies for homes.

• Operate your system in “fan on” mode: Modern forced air systems can function in “fan” mode, in which the system moves air through the ducts and filters without heating or cooling it.

Wildfires have expanded in size and frequency over the last decade, with more people than ever exposed to dangerous levels of smoke. If you live in an affected area, monitor your symptoms closely, adopt the necessary precautions at home, and seek immediate medical attention