Blog > Best Humidity Level For Sleeping in 2025 [Complete Guide]
Best Humidity Level For Sleeping in 2025 [Complete Guide]
Give Your Sleep a Breath of Fresh Air with Ideal Humidity
If you’re struggling to get high-quality rest, stay cool while you sleep, and prevent problems due to allergies, asthma, insomnia, and more—humidity is the key. In this article, we’re going to explore how humidity affects your sleep, why it matters, and what you can do about it. We’re also going to give you all the stats you need to upgrade your sleep environment, including the best humidity level for sleeping.
Why Humidity is Such a Problem
One of the main concerns about high humidity (the concentration of water buildup in the air) is its tendency to feed mold growth. Mold is caused by spores that float through the air all around us. When spaces have poor indoor air quality or excess moisture levels, this can encourage the mold to spread and grow on (and in) your walls, floors, furniture, and anywhere else it can find a warm, moist home. In turn, this can cause extensive damage to your property, your belongings and—yes, even your personal health as you breathe in these spores, causing or aggravating health issues.
Shortness-of-Breath
Excessive exposure to a buildup of mold has been known to make breathing difficult or uncomfortable, especially for children, people with asthma, or people allergic to mold.
Asthma
Studies have shown that mold exposure can sometimes make asthma symptoms worse and even cause it to flare up when it was previously controlled. Some people even list mold as one of their main triggers for asthma attacks or their reason for needing asthma prevention medications.
Allergies
Mold is actually listed as one of the more common environmental allergens, causing sneezing, breathing difficulty, skin irritation, sore throat, and congestion in the nose. Many people find that these symptoms are more likely to be worse in the winter, when the cooler temperatures and indoor heating cause lower air humidity, which causes dry skin, which is more prone to irritation. High humidity, especially in hot temperatures, can also increase the population of dust mites in your mattress and other furniture, which can often cause allergies as well.
How Humidity Affects Sleep Health
As you may have noticed while reading the section above, the greatest personal health concerns are related to high humidity levels. The same goes for sleep health. According to Sleep Foundation, higher humidity, even without mold, can cause health issues.
Wakefulness
Reduced time in REM or slow-wave sleep; these are the stages of sleep that help you process memories, heal your body, boost your immune system, and gather energy for the day ahead.
Breathing Issues
Since sleep in itself, as well as your sleeping positions, affect your breathing rate and temporary lung capacity, it's even more crucial to maintain excellent air quality in a bedroom environment, where the dampness can aggravate asthma, bronchitis, respiratory infections, allergies, sleep apnea, and other breathing problems that can further disrupt your sleep.
Excessive Sweating
Many people know that ambient heat conditions, such as those found in hot environments, can cause excessive sweating. What is not as commonly known is that high humidity (even in lower temperatures) can cause this condition as well. While essentially harmless, excessive sweating can aggravate skin conditions as well as sleep problems.
In addition, low humidity can be a problem as well. Studies have shown that dry air alone can cause dehydration-related problems such as dry skin, itchy eyes, and sore throat. Lower levels of absolute humidity (water vapor content regardless of temperature) in the air have also been shown to increase a person's risk of developing respiratory infections.
The Ideal Humidity for Sleep
When considering your sleep environment, it's a good idea to think in terms of relative humidity. This is a comparison between the amount of water vapor currently in the air and the amount the air is capable of holding at the current temperature.
While the ideal humidity level for a bedroom environment might be different depending on who you ask, the Environmental Protection Agency firmly states that the ideal indoor humidity should be between 30% to 50%—and should never exceed 60%. If the humidity levels surpass that peak percentage (or drops below the minimum percentage), you and your home are at risk for the associated health and environmental issues listed in the earlier sections.
In terms of sleep, while it is acceptable to keep the humidity within the flexible range, you may also find that you notice a difference in how you feel and how you sleep if that number fluctuates rapidly. Because of this, we recommend utilizing the appropriate appliances to keep your humidity levels as consistent as possible. This will help you create the perfect environment for a restful sleep, and maximize the health benefits you receive.
Ideal Temperature for Sleeping
It might surprise you to learn that, while warmer air temperatures can feel more humid, colder temperatures can actually maintain a higher percent humidity level. This is one of the reasons that most experts recommend turning your heat down to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius) before you go to sleep. While this may seem a bit cold, it's important to remember that your body temperature tends to rise while you sleep, so higher temperatures may actually be uncomfortable in the long run since your body heat can cause unpleasant sweating and other types of discomfort as you sleep. Plus, the lower temperature is ideal for maintaining a healthy level of humidity in the air all night long.
If you need the temperature to be slightly cooler or warmer, experts say you can safely adjust to anywhere between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius) and still reap similar benefits.
Tips for Optimizing Bedroom Humidity
The best choice you can make to optimize and maintain your bedroom humidity is to purchase a humidistat. This is a device similar to a thermostat (some thermostats even have one built in) that measures the amount of relative humidity in the air and prompts your HVAC system to release vapor, adjust heat, or use air conditioning as needed. This is very different from a hygrometer, which is similar to a thermometer; it will measure the humidity, but you'll need to make environmental adjustments on your own based on the readings. While this tool can be a good starter, it's best to invest in a humidistat for this simplest and most effective strategy.
Seasonal Humidity Changes
Depending on the environment you live in—including whether it tends to favor dry heat or moist heat, or is a more humid environment—you will likely need to adjust your home's environmental controls throughout the year to maintain ideal humidity and most comfortable temperature. This can usually be done by using portable or installable systems in your home.
Air Humidifiers
Air Conditioners
Dehumidifiers
If you don't already have these appliances in your home, it may seem daunting to make so many large purchases. If you're having your doubts, we recommend scrolling back up to that earlier section, where we listed the various health issues that can be caused by unideal humidity and temperature. With that in consideration, you can clearly see that the benefits of humidifiers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers can well outweigh the initial cost.
Maintaining Equipment
Once you invest in whole-home or portable humidifiers, AC units, and dehumidifiers for your home, it's important to keep these appliances in good working order. The ability of humidifiers and other equipment to maintain air quality is greatly affected by their cleanliness and operation. Use your appliance manual to determine what maintenance needs to be performed, when, and stick to that schedule. Never use dirty humidifiers or other appliances! Instead, clean humidifiers, filters, vents, hoses, and other important parts regularly to maintain ideal operation.
How to Sleep in High Humidity
Depending on where you live, it might be hard to stay comfortable on those hot summer nights. If that's the case, we've got several good tips to help you sleep soundly.
Moderate Air Flow
In the process of attempting to cool off, especially in stifling weather, many people get the impulse to turn the AC temperature up on full blast. However, studies have actually shown that people tend to sleep better with moderate air flow instead, since strong drafts can cause sleep disruption.
Reduce Humidity
In hotter environments, dehumidifiers will be your saving grace. Whether you opt for a portable one or an in-house version, keeping the humidity to a more moderate level will help you feel cooler and more comfortable.
Invest in Breathable Fabrics
Moisture-wicking bed sheets, mattress covers, and even pajamas are excellent at keeping excess sweat from disturbing your sleep. Natural fibers, such as cotton and rayon derived from bamboo, are usually much better at achieving this than synthetic ones.
Upgrade Your Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are popular now due to the increased support and movement distribution. However, it's important to also choose one designed to regulate temperature and provide air flow. Traditional innerspring mattresses are best at this, but foam mattresses can also do the job—especially if they incorporate ventilated, moisture-wicking covers and natural materials, such as latex.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 70% humidity too high for a bedroom?
Yes, 70% humidity is too high for your bedroom, or any room in your house. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Levels exceeding 60% pose a risk of damage to your furniture, appliances, house structure, and even your health.
Is higher humidity better for sleep?
Yes, slightly higher humidity is better for sleep. Experts recommend a temperature range of 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius) for ideal sleep conditions. This lower temperature holds slightly more humidity in the air than warmer temperatures, and is usually more comfortable overall.
Does opening windows reduce humidity?
Yes, opening windows can help reduce the humidity levels in your home. This is because the increased air circulation helps to disperse water vapor. If there is a significant breeze, it can also help dry damp surfaces, which can contribute to humidity levels.
What happens if your bedroom is too humid?
When your bedroom is too humid, it can aggravate existing health conditions, such as insomnia. It can also cause excessive sweating, which can irritate your skin and further disturb your sleep. High humidity can also encourage mold growth, which can cause or aggravate additional health problems such as allergies, asthma, and general shortness of breath.
Summary
Humidity levels that are too high and too low can not only damage your home, furniture, and equipment—and cause mold growth. It can also greatly affect your health. Most importantly, it can affect the quality of sleep you get. By using the recommended appliances and methods for maintaining 30 to 50% humidity, you can ensure the best humidity level for sleeping, and get a refreshing night's rest, every night.
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.
Amazing experience! Valerio is super knowledgeable, friendly and he gives you space to try a lot in peace! We bought our mattress and made a great deal!
Fazi was excellent and so knowledgable about each mattress. Her patience and expert advice made me feel confidant in my decision, never feeling I was being pressured. Highly recommend!
Fazi greatly helped us in the search of our new mattress. Our experience with her was delightful. She did not only take her time to understand our needs but also took time to educate us on all the aspects and details around a mattress choice.
Have had a nightmare of a time navigating the mattress industry on my own, especially after a few bad purchases from online bed in a box brands. Thankfully, Malcom and Sleepare helped my partner and I pick out what will hopefully be the perfect mattress for us. Really appreciate Malcom's knowledgeability and patience in answering all of our questions and being incredibly accommodating.
I had a great experience at SleePare and recommend them wholeheartedly. I had developed back pain and sciatica on my old mattress even though it was in great condition, and my Physical Therapist recommended that I change to a mattress with more cushioning as well as more support. SleePare is not restricted to just one or two brands. In their large showroom I could actually try a variety of brands for as long as I wanted. I figured that having to spend 8 hours on a mattress required a long testing. Raveena helped me and she was perfect. She first took time to understand my particular needs. Then she guided me with great expertise toward the type of mattress that would fit my needs. I was impressed by how knowledgeable she was and I trusted her answers because she did not embellish them or push to make a sale. Their generous free return policy of 100 days allowed me to try my new mattress at home. I don't understand how people can buy something online as personal and sensitive as a mattress without even knowing if they like it in the first place, and then go through the trouble of having to return it. SleePare was the place I was looking for: they are straight shooters that offer a nice selection of many brands with expert and honest advice. I've been sleeping on this mattress for 8 months and back pain and sciatica no longer wake me up.
Valerio was so lovely, and extremely knowledgeable about the matresses! He energetically gave us details on each bed in the showroom. There was a wide range of mattresses on display including some that were not advertised on their website, so we were glad we came in. My partner and I felt comfortable enough to try some beds together, it was a very queer friendly space and we felt confident enough to make a decision. We ended up getting a great deal on a typically expensive mattress, and he was very accommodating to our drop-off schedule. We had so much fun. 🌈❤️
Went there on 5 days ago to look for a king size mattress. Made an appointment. Read a bunch of reviews on line and went to check out the mattress that was highly recommended. Valerio helped us understand how mattresses are made and encouraged to try them. We eventually chose a different mattress to the one we went to check out. Very positive experience. Would recommend you go before committing to a mattress type based on reviews on line like NYT or Forbes ranking etc
I was warmly greeted by Fazi, who listened to my concerns about the kind of mattress. I thought I might be looking for. She cordially offered information and insights relating to my search and then spent significant time with me showing a variety of mattresses that she thought would offer me good sleep and good value. It was an A+ experience.
Malcom was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They’re to help but also patient and let me take my time, and happy to answer all my questions. A very positive experience, and I’m looking forward to improved sleep on my new mattress!
Visited Sleepare today. Valerio helped us out purchasing mattress. He was helpful, polite, and friendly. Got the mattress that we wanted with great price. Great experience.
Great experience. Store Manager, Fazi, is very welcoming and helpful. We were given enough information and time to make a decision with no pressure whatsoever. Made a daunting effort clear and simple. Would highly recommend.
Valerio helped my wife and I find the mattress we’ve been needing for months! He walked us through every option and told us the composition of each type! We would have been lost without him! We will only ever come back here for anything we need in terms of our bedding in the future! He made the process stress free and we’re walking out with exactly what we were looking for! 10/10
I feel grateful to live in an area where a showroom like this is available. After all, a mattress is one of the most important purchases we make in our lives, and it's certainly risky making a blind buy!During my appointment, not only was I able to physically test mattresses from companies that have no brick-and-mortar locations, but the associate named Fazi was absolutely instrumental in my ultimate purchasing decision. I was very impressed with her knowledge of the mechanics behind each mattress, and ways to distinguish between whether any bed-related accessories are worth the money. Even if you're not local to NYC, I'd highly recommend visiting here for a consultation. I'm glad the word is spreading about this place!
Wow, what a fantastic experience! The best customer service of any mattress store I've ever been too, bar none. Fazi was incredibly attentive, offering excellent feedback and advice throughout the process of exploring all the various products Sleepare has to offer. I was really impressed by her attention to detail, and the patience and care she showed me as I asked many (MANY) questions! I am very much planning on buying my mattress from SleePare -- can't recommend this store enough.
I had a great experience today when I visited SleePare Mattress Store in Manhattan on West 30th made all the more wonderful by Fazi. She is so knowledgeable, helpful, patient and kind. I had done a little research about beds over the last couple of weeks, but actually trying out the mattresses in this showroom with Fazi’s knowledge about each and her suggestions for me to ponder, I feel I am better equipped to pick the right mattress for me and my problematic lumbar spine. I would and will recommend highly to anyone looking to buy a mattress to go to SleePare. Thank you SleePare and Fazi!
I had a fantastic experience here. Had an evening appointment and the salesman, Valerio, spent 40 minutes with me explaining the differences between mattresses in great detail. He guided me to a choice that was both extremely comfortable and also not at the top end of my budget range. And he didn't even try to get me to buy something at the super high end. I didn't think I was going to make a purchase right on the spot, but he instilled so much confidence and comfort in the process that I walked out of the store having ordered my new mattress. Fantastic experience, thanks to Valerio!
I recently visited Sleepare for the second time to shop for a new mattress, and Valerio made the experience truly exceptional. From the moment I walked in, he was friendly, attentive, and genuinely interested in helping me find the perfect mattress for my needs.Valerio was incredibly knowledgeable, explaining the differences between various types of mattresses, firmness levels, and materials in a way that was easy to understand. He took the time to ask about my sleeping habits and preferences, ensuring their recommendations were tailored to me.What really stood out was he’s patiencethere was no pressure to rush or make a decision. He encouraged me to take my time testing out different options and answered all my questions thoroughly.Thanks to Valerio, I found a mattress that feels perfect, and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. If you’re shopping for a mattress, I highly recommend working with Valerio he truly care about customers and go above and beyond to provide excellent service!
We walked in today at Sleepare in nyc and were greeted by Malcom. We told him what we were looking for (a good quality mattress that helps support hip injuries, is comfortable for back and side sleepers and is not too soft) and although we came in with a Dream Cloud, as soon as we laid on it we didn’t like how much we sunk in. We ended up lovingggg the Helix Dawn which to our surprise was a firm mattress with a plush pillow top and that’s the one we both liked. Malcom let us lay as long as we wanted and gave us insight on each mattress. He was cheerful and attentive and made us feel like the experience was worth it. He also told us about a bundle sale that was ending the same day as our visit and we chose to purchase and get the bundle. So we got a mattress and a mattress cover, pillows, and bedsheets for free! So excited to receive the mattress! Thanks Malcom!
Wow… just wow. Went to try some mattresses and didn’t think I would get such an amazing experience, and it’s all thanks to Valerio! He’s so personable and a great person. Super knowledgeable and professional, and makes you feel right at home. He has your best interest in mind and will not try to sell you the most expensive mattress, but the one that suits you the best. Thanks Valerio for an amazing experience!
Our Sleepare experience was enhanced by Valerio, who made shopping for a mattress a truly enjoyable experience! He had great advice and knowledge of all the different types of mattresses, which helped us make our final choice.
I had a wonderful experience at SleePare. I made an appointment the day before and included my budget along with some preferences and sleep habits (I recommend doing this as well if visiting). I was helped by Malcolm who was incredibly helpful and already had some beds lined up according to my appointment notes. Malcolm was super helpful and not pushy at all. He took great consideration of my constraints and helped me narrow down my choice as well as answer my countless questions. I had some brands in mind but with their help I was able to find a mattress that wasn’t even on my radar and I was much more happy with. This is a great spot to check out online mattress brands in person before committing to a purchase or sleep trial. Overall I was very happy with my experience and definitely recommend Malcolm to help you out!
What a great shopping experience! Valerio answered all our questions and held guide us to find the perfect mattress. On top of the great service, Valerio made us feel welcomed and we trusted his expertise! Very happy with our shopping experience!
Was recommended to come and I loved the experience!!! The service is great, great help in trying to find the perfect mattress explaining the differences between the different types of springs, gel, etc. If you are trying to find a new mattress I recommend going in person to find what you like.
I just walked in.Fazi was ready to help me out. She is smart easy to talk to and knows a lot about these mattresses. 30 minutes later I bought an amazing Helix Elite mattress.Fazi made the purchase easy.
I love this place. I was so clueless to what I wanted and needed. And Fazi i think the name of the guy he gave exceptional service. I would recommend 10/10
I had an absolutely incredible experience shopping at SleePare! I can't express enough how impressed and grateful I am for the outstanding assistance I received from Fazi. Despite not having an appointment, she went above and beyond to help me understand which mattress would suit my sleep style best. Her knowledge, patience, and attentiveness were remarkable.I visited the store multiple times—testing mattresses again and again, aligning payments, and even exploring pillow options—and every single time, I was treated with the utmost care and respect. The service was nothing short of exceptional, and I’m beyond thrilled to be finalizing my purchase with SleePare. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
I made an appointment online, went to the showroom and was assisted by Fazi. She was attentive, *not* pushy, the showroom and mattresses were clean and in great shape. Excellent service through the entire process from entrance to purchase (over the phone). Would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking to try any popular online mattress brands!!
Best mattress showroom in town! customer service was perfect. Fazi was very knowledgeable about her work and was able to help me out with all of the questions i had about my purchase. highly recommend the mlily power cool!!!
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Meet The Author:
Shanir Kol
Shanir Kol, founder and CEO of SleePare, pioneered the “Try and Buy” model in eCommerce, enhancing mattress shopping by combining in-store trials with online purchases. Launching in 1999, his company focuses on customer satisfaction and eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize mattress waste and expand sustainably.