The Science-Backed Reason Sleeping with the Door Open Helps You Sleep Better

Story of your life: You’ve had a long, busy day, but the second your head hits the pillow, for no apparent reason, you’re wide awake. (We’ve been there.) Good news: There’s a new science-backed trick that could help you fall asleep and stay that way—unlike our other go-to, melatonin, it’s totally free.

In a recent study published by Indoor Air: International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health, scientists observed a group of healthy young adults sleeping over a period of five nights. Those who slept with the bedroom door open reported a better and longer night’s sleep than those who slept with the door closed.

Well, when you open your door, you’re providing more ventilation to the room, which might help some people drift off more easily. In the study, opening the door also caused the temperature of the room to lower slightly, to about 67 degrees Fahrenheit—sleep doctors recommend keeping the temperature in your bedroom between 65 and 68 degrees for the best possible sleep.

So instead of tossing and turning, crack open your bedroom door. (Now you just need to figure out how to keep out the dog and kids.)