Mold in the Bedroom: How it Impacts Sleep | Sleep Foundation (2024)

What Is Mold?

Molds are naturally occurring fungi found indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of mold strains, which all require moisture for growth.

Mold spreads to new environments by releasing microscopic spores that travel through the air. Trace amounts of mold are always circulating in the air and environment Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats.View Source , but spores begin to grow when they land somewhere with a suitable amount of moisture.

Mold and Your Health

Molds release several substances that can cause allergic reactions, irritations, and toxic effects when touched or inhaled. While most strains of mold are harmless, there are more than 100 different kinds of indoor molds Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source that may be harmful to humans Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source . Fortunately, only a small number of these molds are usually found in homes.

Health effects from mold Trusted Source United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.View Source can vary, but common reactions may include:

• Skin redness or rash
• Itchy, red eyes
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Chronic cough
• Blurred vision

More severe symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, and lung infection may occur from mold exposure in people with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Children exposed to mold in the first year of life may have an increased risk Trusted Source National Institutes of Health (NIH)The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.View Source of developing asthma.

Mold and Your Sleep

In addition to the many health problems mold can cause, research suggests that mold exposure may also compromise sleep. In one large study, household molds were correlated with increased sleep problems Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source like insomnia, snoring, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Another study of nearly 5,000 adults found that people who reported mold odors at home also reported higher rates of sleep disturbances Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech InformationThe National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.View Source .

In addition, indoor molds are a known cause of allergic rhinitis Trusted Source Medline PlusMedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends.View Source . Emerging research Trusted Source JAMA Internal MedicineJAMA Internal Medicine is an international peer-reviewed journal providing innovative and clinically relevant research for practitioners in general internal medicine and internal medicine subspecialties.View Source shows the potential for allergic rhinitis to cause a host of sleep problems Trusted Source PLOS ONEPLOS ONE is an inclusive journal community working together to advance science for the benefit of society, now and in the future. Founded with the aim of accelerating the pace of scientific advancement and demonstrating its value, we believe all rigorous science needs to be published and discoverable, widely disseminated and freely accessible to all.View Source including insomnia, restless sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring.

The Moldy Bedroom

Though your bedroom may appear clean and tidy, a host of factors can turn your sleep sanctuary into a habitat for mold. Mold is capable of growing on a variety of materials Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats.View Source , particularly porous and natural materials such as cardboard, paper, wood products, and ceiling tiles. Mold can also grow inside other surfaces around your bedroom including the wallpaper and insulation.

Water Sources, Humidity, and Condensation

Molds need sufficient moisture to grow and spread. The bedroom can harbor hidden moisture from leaks in the roof, windows, pipes, or areas of flooding. These moisture sources are all commonly associated with mold growth. Mold can also form if water is spilled and not dried within 48 hours.

However, it does not take an overt spill or leak for mold to form. Mold can arise if your bedroom is excessively humid or accumulates condensation, which can result from poor ventilation. Even modest amounts of condensationcan support mold growth. Areas of your bedroom with minimal air movement Trusted Source United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.View Source , such as behind furniture and inside closets, may have higher levels of condensation and dampness.

Signs of a Moldy Bedroom

If you’re inspecting your bedroom for mold, it’s important to know that mold can grow for some time before it becomes visible. Therefore, when assessing your bedroom, keep an eye out for these signs of mold growth Trusted Source United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.View Source :

• A humid or damp closet
• Condensation on windows
• Cracking paint, a dark area on a wall, or other signs of water damage
• An unusual, musty odor

You may also see mold develop in areas with regular moisture or condensation. For example, black mold spots may become visible in corners of your bedroom or behind furniture that is kept up against the wall.

Sometimes mold may be concealed underneath wallpaper, paneling, carpet, or behind walls. If you suspect that hidden mold is growing in your bedroom, it’s smart to consider hiring a professional who can perform a thorough investigation of your home.

Controlling Mold in the Bedroom

Keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to keep mold spores from entering your home. Microscopic spores can come in through open airways, windows, and vents, or latch onto clothing and pets. Therefore, the best approach to preventing mold is to make sure your bedroom environment doesn’t support its growth.

Preventing Mold Growth

To prevent mold in your bedroom, it’s important to control humidity, increase ventilation, and immediately clean up any standing water or spills. To accomplish this, make sure to:

• Keep humidity low and consider using a digital monitor to keep humidity between 30% and 50%
• Ensure proper ventilation and airflow
• Quickly treat any structural water leaks from the roof, pipes, or other sources
• Use a dehumidifier or A/C if your bedroom is prone to moisture
• Move furniture away from the wall
• Create space between clothes and other items in your closet
• Do not leave stacks of clothing, bedding, or papers undisturbed for long periods
• If water spills on your carpet or mattress, clean and dry it within 48 hours
• Enlist professional help for large water spills or flooding

Getting Rid of Mold

Should you discover mold growth, prompt and thorough cleaning is critical. Consider the following guidelines for effective cleaning:

• Nonporous materials and hard surfaces can be cleaned with chemical products, soap and water, or a bleach solution
• Wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator when cleaning mold in order to protect against airborne particles
• Porous materials with mold should be discarded, not cleaned
• Remove and replace moldy insulation, ceiling tiles, and drywall
• Mold growth over 10 square feet may require professional cleaning

The Environmental Protection Agency and many local health departments offer additional guidance for cleaning household mold.

Is It Important To Test Mold?

Mold growing in your bedroom — no matter the type — should be removed. The health risk is not necessarily tied to a certain type or amount of mold. Therefore, there are no federal limits on acceptable levels of indoor mold, and expert groups typically do not recommend routine testing for mold strains.

The important thing is to rid your home of any known mold immediately, or better yet, prevent mold from growing in the first place. You’ll rest better knowing that you’re doing everything you can to keep this silent invader out of your bedroom.

References

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