Open windows at night: sneaking dangers to your health!

Open windows at night: sneaking dangers to your health!

A brisk breeze can be refreshing, but when it comes to sleeping with the windows open, it could be doing more damage than many people think. A recent study by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has shown that noise from roads and vehicles at night poses significant health risks. This finding was published on July 5, 2025 and is a cause for concern among many Cologne residents, who often like to open the windows in their bedroom.

The study shows that noise can release stress hormones unnoticed during sleep. A car driving past just 10 meters away causes around 75 decibels - near trucks the level is up to 95 decibels. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers noise above 65 decibels to be harmful to health and recommends a maximum of 40 decibels at night in order not to have a negative impact on sleep. Unfortunately, the brain's conscious filter is not active at night, so noises are perceived as much more disturbing than during the day.

Health consequences of noise

The effects of noise are diverse and can cause serious health problems. In addition to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart problems, the WHO also shows a connection between noise at night and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Noise is therefore not only unpleasant, but also a serious health factor that can affect the quality of life.

In addition to high blood pressure and heart pain, cognitive impairment and hearing damage can occur. The WHO points out that in crisis situations, such as with pregnant women, even prenatal impairments and miscarriages cannot be ruled out. This shows how complex the health effects are and that environmental noise levels are a central issue in today's urban lifestyle.

Tips for better sleep

Given these alarming findings, researchers recommend some measures to improve sleep quality. Before going to bed, you should ventilate for about 30 minutes and then close the windows. Earplugs also help block out nighttime noises and increase your chances of getting a restful sleep. In addition, air-purifying plants such as single leaf or bow hemp should not be missing in the bedroom, as they not only improve air quality but can also create a calming atmosphere.

The WHO has also formulated general recommendations for noise reduction in its guidelines. These not only include individual protection, for example through earplugs, but also the improvement of infrastructural conditions. This could be done through more 30 km/h zones, sound barriers and quieter means of transport, which in turn would reduce noise pollution in urban areas such as Cologne.

The responsibility for a peaceful night's sleep does not only lie with the individual, but also requires a joint approach from urban planning and politics. The development of environmentally friendly means of transport and a more conscious approach to noise are important steps to promote well-being in our city.

So if you've always enjoyed sleeping with the windows open, you should probably seriously consider how you can improve your sleep quality. After all, a good sleeping environment is not only important for your own health, but is also crucial for the quality of life in an urban environment. Read more about the study results at Picture, contributes to the WHO guidelines Noise info and contribute to general noise protection measures healthy.bund.de.