The Carbon County news., 1927-02-10
Fresh Air in Sleeping Rooms

with an elderly man on this topic, he
taking the stand that night air is bad
for the health, while my contention
was that night air is no different from
day air and is good for the health.
Which View is Corrct?
My friend argued that in the old
country they always kept the windows
tightly closed at night because the
night air affected peoples eyes, and
in support of his argument he stated
that five times as many people on this
side of the water wear glasses. This
baneful effect (sic) of night air is just
one of a long list, each of which is an
outgrowth of some provincial fancy
or superstition.
As matter of fact an analysis of
some air collected at midnight would
give the same findings as air gathered
at midday. The theory that there
is difference in the air of the day
and night is kin to the belief that
there are goblins, witches and such
like floating through the air at night.
Why Fresh Air is Necessary.
During the night we are occupying
a constant position for a continuous
period of eight hours, and the time is
spent indoors. We are not moving
from place to place, spending part of
the time outdoors as is the case during
our waking hours. Lying quietly, we
re-inhale some of the expired air with
each inspiration.
Obviously it is necessary that the
air in the room be renewed and that
it be actively circulating to insure a
fresh supply. This necessity is very
apparent to the onstrils of anyone who
steps into bedroom with closed win
dows that has been occupied by a
sleeping person during the previous
eight hours.
Moreover, sanitary engineers have
compiled figures and facts which clear
ly show that in much less time than
this the oxygen in the room has been
consumed and replaced by carbon diox-
ide. Fortunately or the individual who
believes in excluding the night air en-
ough gets through the cracks and
crevices to defeat his purpose and keep
him going.
People Realize Difference.
1t is a common observation that peo-
pie who are accustomed to living out
of-doors find it very difficult to adapt
themselves to indoor life. We who live
indoors ourselves exhibit the effects
of less fresh air during the winter in
the form of the "colds" that are so
prevalent at this time of the year. And
anyone who is in the habit of sleeping
with windows open finds it practically
to do so in closed room.
The story is told of man who went
to hotel After being in bed long
time, unable to sleep, he recalled that
he had not opened the window. He got
up and unable to find switch CROPPED
his way to where he thought the Win
dow was. He fumbled around unable to
find the latch and finally, losing his
temper, kicked his foot through the
glass, went back to bed and was soon
sound asleep. The next morning he
was amazed to see the window intact,
while next to it stood bookcase
through the door of which he had kick
ed hole.
True, his imagination was working
overtime, but it shows the power of
habit.
How to Ventilate Sleeping Rooms
The best system of ventilation of
sleeping room is founded on the ply
steal fact that warm air rises toward
the ceiling while cold air stays next
The floor
If the room contains one window
the upper sash should be lowered and
The under sash raisead. Where there
are two windows the upper sash of
one may be lowered and the under
sash of the other raised.
To get the maximum amount of
resh air one should sleep in the cur
'ent of air between the windows. Nat
lrally people subject to colds, neural
ria, and other effects of drafts will
ind this undesirable. Nor is it abso-
utely necessary.
Those who want fresh air without
ndue circulation can get it by placing
muslin screen in the opening.
During cold weather there is a dis
ositlon to keep out the cold air in
he interest of warmth and comfort.
ont 40 IT. You may pay heavy pen
lty. Use plenty of bed clothes, both
yer and under you, and get all the
nCh prv~ IoA