Humidifiers increase the moisture in the air, making them a popular choice for combatting dry winter nights. But can they really help you sleep better? Here\u2019s what to know.\n<\/p>\n
A nightly humidifier could potentially help you sleep better if the air in your bedroom is too dry, said Kin M. Yuen, MD, MS<\/a>, a sleep medicine specialist at UCSF Health.\n<\/p>\n Normally, mucus works with tiny hair-like cells in the nose to trap allergens and germs. In dry conditions, however, that mucus can thicken and become less effective, which may lead to congestion, irritation, or a sensation of shortness of breath.\n<\/p>\n Humidifiers add more humidity to the air by releasing water vapor through evaporation, boiling, or ultrasonic vibration. This added moisture helps to keep nasal passages moist and reduce airway resistance, enabling easier breathing and more comfortable sleep. \u201cMoisture can lower airway resistance, since airflow creates turbulence as it enters our body,\u201d Yuen said. “Humidity lets the air in with a smoother ride.\u201d\n<\/p>\n For this reason, Yuen added, humidifiers can be particularly helpful for people who have a cold, asthma, or obstructive sleep apnea<\/a>, which is when breathing starts and stops during sleep due to airway obstruction. One study found that humidifiers helped reduce dryness in the lower throat and mouth for people with this condition.\n<\/p>\n