Lüften: Crazy Trend or Sleep Hack?

Why are people opening their windows in the middle of winter? Sounds crazy right? Well, blame it on the Lüften, a German practice where you let a blast of fresh, icy air into your home. TikTokers are raving about it, claiming it improves sleep and air quality. But is freezing your bedroom the new wellness trend, or are we just asking for frostbite? Let’s dive in.

Why are people doing this?

Turns out, Lüften isn’t just about making your room feel like a snow cave. This centuries-old German practice is rooted in improving indoor air quality. By opening windows for a few minutes Lüften helps reduce humidity levels, preventing mold, mildew, and stale odors. The practice also flushes out pollutants, allergens, and bacteria that accumulate especially during the winter when heating systems tend to dry out the air and trap pollutants. According to researcher Raymond Galvin, Lüften is best practiced as “shock ventilation” (Stoßlüften). This involves opening your windows fully for a short time—three minutes if it’s windy, or up to 10 minutes on calmer days.

Does it actually work?

Experts agree that sleeping in a cool room can improve rest, but there’s a fine line between “cool” and “polar expedition.” Leaving your windows open all night could turn your bedroom into a freezer—and that’s not ideal for restful sleep. Plus, if you live near noisy neighbors or busy streets, fresh air might bring unwelcome disruptions along.

In short, Lüften is about hitting the refresh button on your indoor environment. Apparently, it’s a practical way to keep your space healthier, fresher, and mold-free—all while giving you that extra dose of crisp air before bed. Would you give it a try?