One in eight people report to their doctor that they feel "tired all the time" — and there may be a surprising cause, experts have discovered.
There is growing evidence that your home's interior design and even furniture selection may be to blame.
The phenomenon is also known as sick building syndrome — where a range of symptoms, from fatigue to runny noses, are caused by being in a certain environment.
Other common problems associated with this syndrome include: dry eyes, headaches, and irritated throat, which improve once the person leaves the environment.
Poor ventilation, pollutants in the air — released from carpets, furniture, and cleaning products — mold or moisture, inadequate lighting or heating are all possible factors.
Meanwhile, poor spatial organization, overcrowded environments, and clutter can cause psychological stress, leading to the symptoms mentioned.
This syndrome usually affects those who work in open-plan offices, but scientists now warn that your own home could also contribute.
Now, experts have identified why old furniture, lighting, and even scented candles can affect your energy levels.
Get rid of bright lighting from the ceiling
Lighting “sets the atmosphere” — and it can have a powerful impact on how you feel, scientists say.
Ceiling lights — especially cool-toned fluorescents — can be hard on the eyes and tiring over time.
Most LED lights emit blue light, which, although environmentally friendly, creates sharp contrasts and shadows that can be tiring on the eyes.
In the evening, this type of light can send signals to the body that it is still time to stay awake, disrupting the natural rhythm of sleep and contributing to physical and mental fatigue.
A study from Harvard University compared the effects of 6.5 hours of exposure to blue light versus green light. They found that blue light suppressed the production of the hormone melatonin by about twice as much as green light.
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body and plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
Experts suggest installing dimmer switches or using bulbs to create a warmer environment.
Be careful with the old mattress.
An old or unsupportive mattress can harm your body without you realizing it.
You may think you're sleeping well at night, but if you're tossing and turning frequently or waking up stiff, your body isn't regenerating properly, leaving you tired.
The Simba company says: “Without proper support, you may have difficulty sleeping and the mattress may cause back and neck pain. This will not only affect you at night, but you will wake up sore, tired and without energy.”
The Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every seven to eight years to avoid these problems.
Doctors also advise getting at least seven hours of sleep each night and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to improve sleep quality.
Be careful with scented candles.
Scented candles create a relaxing atmosphere — but they also release indoor air pollutants that, even at low levels, have been linked to respiratory problems.
When burning, scented candles release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde — both known carcinogens.
Research shows that burning scented candles can significantly increase the level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air, often beyond the limits recommended by the WHO.
These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory problems and cardiovascular disease.
Some candles also contain phthalates — chemicals that help prolong the scent, but which are linked to hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems.
Remove the curtains and let in natural light.
Exposure to light during the day — or the lack of it — can disrupt your body's natural rhythms, causing drowsiness.
For those who live in homes with little natural light, experts recommend using light therapy lamps to help regulate the circadian rhythm — the body's internal biological clock.
Professor Russell Foster from the University of Oxford told MailOnline: "Light is incredibly important for setting your biological clock. Morning light helps you wake up earlier."
A study in the US found that employees who were more exposed to natural light had longer, better quality sleep and a better quality of life overall.
Limit noise from household appliances
From the food mixer to the clothes dryer, our homes are full of noise.
Research suggests that this can negatively impact our health, causing high levels of stress in two in five people.
The most problematic appliances are precisely the most useful ones, like washing machines and vacuum cleaners.
According to the WHO, 40 percent of Europe's population is exposed to noise levels above 55dB — the equivalent of a noisy office.
For comparison, a washing machine generates around 70dB, a refrigerator around 50dB, and food processors up to 90dB.
Professor Stephen Stansfeld from Queen Mary University says: “Excessive noise increases heart rate and blood pressure. This can cause fatigue, stress, and even heart attacks or strokes.”
Ventilate the house.
Candles are not the only source of indoor air pollution.
According to Dr. Prashant Kumar from the University of Surrey, other sources include cooking, paints, varnishes and mold spores.
These pollutants make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air.
Studies show that this pollution can cause immediate symptoms such as fatigue, sneezing, coughing, and irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat.
The solution? Reduce sources of pollution and improve ventilation.
Experts suggest simple steps like opening windows regularly, using extractor fans when cooking, selecting low-emission products, and avoiding synthetic fragrances to improve air quality and your health in the long term. /Express newspaper/
edition
t7 live
