Projects & Improvements

Ideal and Healthy Humidity Levels for Sleeping

updated May 7, 2019
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

We all put great thought into our home’s design and décor, especially in our bedrooms. We want to dwell in an environment that supports healthy living. And so, it’s during the winter that we’re once again challenged: “Generally, humidity levels are higher in the summer and lower during winter months…Humidity that’s too low or too high can cause problems,” reports The Mayo Clinic.

Humidity levels should range between 30 and 50 percent, with the ideal hovering at 45 percent. Anything lower can irritate your eyes, nose and throat while levels above 50 percent can potentially fuel the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds.

How to know your home’s humidity level?

Using a digital or analog hygrometer to measure humidity levels can help. Available from Amazon, the devices with the highest user ratings are reasonably priced from $12.99 to $49.99.

Rachel Wray’s MUST READ post on the topic: Controlling Humidity Levels at Home.

(Image: Real Simple)