When it's time to sleep, I like to create the coziest atmosphere. That means a warm room, plenty of layers and dim lights. A closed window is a must. But since October hit, I've noticed instead of snuggling up to sleep, I'm tossing and turning in a room that feels stuffy.

I asked the experts what was happening and they made a simple suggestion: start opening the window. This two second hack lets out carbon dioxide, stale air and excess moisture and lets in the fresh, clean air that's necessary to sleep.

Yes, open windows also cool down your bedroom but as the experts explain, that's a good thing when you're trying to sleep. So grab a blanket, prop open the window, and discover why this quick habit is your key to good sleep this fall and winter.

“It may sound counterintuitive in the cold nights of winter, but opening your bedroom windows is important for your health, your sleep quality and your hygiene," explains Dr. Hana Patel, NHS GP and resident sleep expert for Time4Sleep.

A sealed room keeps in warmth, which is what you want on a cold day. But it also traps moisture, air pollutants such as VOCs and CO₂, and allergens like mold, which thrive in humid conditions.

Warm, stuffy rooms also disrupt the natural cycle of your body clock, which expects a cooler feel at bedtime. This can leave you struggling to fall asleep or waking up at 3 a.m.

“Open your windows for a couple of hours in the morning once you get up," advises Dr.

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