Is Hidden Mold Affecting Your Sleep Quality?
Quality sleep is not just a nightly ritual but an essential part of your overall well-being
Written by Paul Sterling
When we think of what affects our sleep health, most of us go straight to light and sound. But an often-overlooked factor that can quietly sabotage your sleep quality and health is the presence of mold.
In this post, we want to shed light on how the presence of mold can impact your sleep. After all, the first step in solving any problem is understanding it better. So if you’re concerned about mold in your bedroom or experiencing sleep issues that can’t quite be explained, this post is for you.
The Dangers of Mold
There are thousands of different, naturally occurring mold species that are found both indoors and outdoors. They are easily spread when airborne spores circulate, so it’s not hard to see how they might cling to our clothing or pets, for example, and can then be carried into our bedrooms.
Mold thrives in dampness and humidity - once mold spores land in a spot with the right amount of moisture, mold can start to grow and send even more spores into the air we breathe.1 But it’s mold’s ability to remain hidden and undetected for long periods that can make it even more of a disruption. If there is mold in your bedroom, that means a full night’s exposure every night!
Wondering how weather, climate, and location impact mold growth?
Mold and Sleep Disruptions
Recent studies have revealed mold’s far-reaching impact, which extends beyond the common allergic reactions that affect our sleep quality. It can contribute to various sleep problems, including snoring, coughing, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness. One study revealed that out of 5,000 adults, those who reported mold-related odors were also more likely to experience sleep disturbances.2
Exploring how mold affects sleep reveals an intricate interaction between biology and the surrounding environment. Some molds can release mycotoxins which have been known to induce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system. The consequences can be myriad, including nasal congestion, throat irritation, and a disconcerting struggle for breath.3 Chronic fungal sinusitis is a common illness that impacts nearly 60 million people nationwide.4 In addition, the human nose has an extensive vascular network with a direct connection to the brain as well as the pituitary gland – the control center for the body’s hormonal systems. So, aside from allergic complications, the mold and mycotoxins that enter the body can cause further damage, impacting brain and motor functions and causing hormone issues.4
Much of what we hear from the experts today indicates that sleep is just as vital as a healthy diet and exercise. But because many of the physical symptoms of poor sleep when impacted by mold are similar to those of other chronic diseases, it’s important to be aware of your environment and how it could be influencing your health and wellness. Understanding this link helps identify subtle but persistent signs that mold might be creating an unhealthy atmosphere in your sleeping area.
Did you know? It’s also important to note that your inspection company should be a stand-alone entity, meaning they do not do remediation or mold removal. This means the mold inspector and mold remediator cannot be from the same company. Why? There’s often a conflict of interest, so we recommend checking to see if your state regulates remediation. The bottom line is they are two different processes that should be kept separate to protect the best interest of the property owner.
Mold Inspection Sciences
Signs That Mold May Be Present in Your Bedroom
While your bedroom may be a picture-perfect, clean, and relaxing space, it is full of materials where mold can thrive, like on carpets or upholstered furniture, beneath wallpaper, inside insulation, and more. Mold also needs moisture to grow, which can result from roof leaks, window condensation, leaking pipes, or excessive humidity and condensation. There are several suspect signs that mold may be present. Visual cues include discolored patches on walls or ceilings, cracking paint, and visible condensation on windows. A musty odor, often described as earthy or stale, is another classic sign of hidden mold growth. Remember, just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
To help prevent mold growth, we recommend controlling humidity and increasing ventilation and airflow. It’s also crucial to fix any structural damage that may lead to moisture intrusion.
Contact the Professionals at Mold Inspection Sciences
In the quest for a good night’s sleep, it’s essential to consider all aspects of your bedroom environment. Mold, with its potential to disrupt bodily functions and trigger allergies, can significantly impact sleep quality, and it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands by grabbing the cleaning supplies. However, it’s crucial to take a cautious approach. Cleaning visible mold may not address the root cause, as mold could be hiding in unseen areas, and improper cleaning methods can result in additional mold growth. If you see or suspect a mold-related issue, contact a certified professional.
At Mold Inspection Sciences, our process begins with an indoor environmental assessment conducted by a certified inspector, who will use moisture detection equipment and infrared technology. These tools help identify potential problem areas and measure moisture in your property’s walls, flooring, ceiling, and other materials – often undetectable to the naked eye.
As part of a comprehensive inspection, we will recommend sampling tailored to the property’s needs and our consultant’s findings. Sampling is vital in any thorough mold or environmental investigation, as it confirms the presence and type of environmental hazards, helping us suggest the appropriate steps to fix the situation. We can also perform specialized qPCR sampling for mold-sensitive clients who suffer from Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). If mold is found, the next step is to have it removed by a professional mold remediation company, which we can recommend as needed.
References
- Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, August 14). A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Retrieved December 13, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
- Wang, J., Janson, C., Lindberg, E., Holm, M., Gislason, T., Benediktsdóttir, B., Johannessen, A., Schlünssen, V., Jogi, R., Franklin, K. A., & Norbäck, D. (2020). Dampness and mold at home and at work and onset of insomnia symptoms, snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Environment International, 139, 105691.https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0160412020301008
- Shiue, I. (2015). Indoor mildew odour in old housing was associated with adult allergic symptoms, asthma, chronic bronchitis, vision, sleep and self-rated health: USA NHANES, 2005–2006. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 22(18), 14234–14240 http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11356-015-4671-8
- Collado, C. (2021, November 5). Insomnia and mold. Citrisafe. https://citrisafe.com/insomnia-and-mold/
About the author
Paul Sterling
Paul Sterling is the Chief Technology Officer at Mold Inspection Sciences, where he combines his passions for technology, creativity, and education to help people better understand their indoor environments. Co-creator of Moldware and a multiple-time Umbraco MVP, Paul brings decades of software development experience to his work. He also plays a leading role in MIS's marketing and educational initiatives, with a particular interest in making complex environmental topics accessible through engaging content, creative storytelling, and innovative digital experiences.
Paul has spoken at Codegarden and the Umbraco U.S. Summit and was an Umbraco Certified Trainer from 2009 through 2017. Explore his speaking and teaching experience.
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