When people think of mold-related health issues, respiratory symptoms like asthma, sneezing, and coughing readily come to mind. However, mold exposure can also lead to unpleasant cognitive and neurological changes.
This article highlights some common neurological symptoms of mold exposure, its negative impact on sleep, and how it can worsen allergies, especially in individuals with mold sensitivity. We also share a few tips to help keep indoor spaces free of mold and promote healthy living at home.
6 Common Neurological Symptoms of Mold Exposure
People react in various ways when they inhale or encounter mold spores, mycotoxins, or other mold-related substances. In any case, exposure to mold can result in various unpleasant side effects, and common neurological symptoms of mold exposure include the following.
1. Headaches
Persistent or recurrent headaches are among the most frequently reported neurological symptoms in people exposed to mold. These headaches can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by a sensation of pressure or tightness in the head. Mold exposure can also cause migraine ― a severe headache often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
2. Fatigue and Weakness
Continuous exposure to mold or its spores can lead to chronic fatigue and persistent feelings of weakness or lack of energy. Individuals exposed to mold may find it challenging to engage in daily activities and may experience exhaustion even after hours of sleep.
3. Cognitive Impairment
When exposed to mold, some individuals may experience brain fog, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive issues. Breathing tiny mold spores all day can make it difficult to focus on tasks and may even lead to memory lapses. Some people may have trouble focusing on tasks and struggle to think clearly or make decisions when exposed to mold.
4. Vertigo and Dizziness
Prolonged mold exposure may bring about feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. And in some cases, spending time in a mold-infested environment causes full-blown vertigo ― a false sensation of spinning in circles ― which can be extremely disorienting and may lead to a loss of balance and coordination.
5. Sensory Disturbances
After contact with mold, some people may experience sensory disturbances, such as numbness in extremities. Others may get a tingling sensation (a “pins and needles” feeling) in various parts of the body or heightened sensitivity to light and sound. These sensations can be unsettling and cause discomfort.
6. Mood Changes
Recent research links mold exposure to mood changes, especially in individuals who are sensitive to mold or have underlying respiratory conditions. It is not uncommon for these individuals to experience increased anxiety and feelings of depression. And in many cases, mood swings or irritability are common mold exposure symptoms.
Mold Exposure and Sleep
Beyond causing respiratory issues, mold exposure may also affect sleep patterns and overall sleep quality. When tiny mold spores propagate and spread throughout indoor spaces, they can enter our respiratory systems, causing allergic reactions and sleep disturbances.
Researchers studying the link between mold exposure and sleep disruptions found that people with higher levels of mold spores in their homes are likelier to experience frequent sleep disturbances. While the severity of these disturbances may vary between individuals, they generally manifest as:
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- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent awakening during the night
- Reduced amount of total sleep time
How Does Mold Interfere with Sleep?
Mold spores can easily find their way into our lungs and trigger allergies when we sleep or spend long hours in a moldy environment. Additionally, mold exposure can affect sleep patterns in the following ways:
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- Sleep problems caused by an inflammatory response
- Allergies in bedroom at night
- Disrupts sleep-wake cycles
4 Effective Ways to Eradicate Indoor Mold for Better Sleep
Consider the following suggestion to minimize the risk of toxic mold exposure, ensure healthy living at home, and for better overall well-being.
1. Identify and Eliminate Moisture Sources
Molds love damp and humid environments, so the first step is to identify and address the source of moisture in the home. Look for leaks, condensation, or poor ventilation and correct these issues to prevent further mold growth.
2. Clean with toxin-free cleaning products
Clean visible mold with soap, water, and a mold-removing agent. While commercial mold cleaners can remove the fungi, be sure to choose toxin-free cleaning products and remember to follow safety guidelines when cleaning. Properly dispose of contaminated materials like porous items that cannot be cleaned.
3. Use a HEPA Air Purifier
Air purifiers equipped with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can help capture and remove mold spores from the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing the chances of mold recontamination.
Choose a reliable HEPA air purifier from eco-friendly companies like EnviroKlenz. Our air filtration systems effectively eradicate tiny mold spores and other air pollutants from indoor spaces.
4. Improve Indoor Ventilation and Air Circulation
Ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas to reduce humidity levels and avoid mold illness. Consider using exhaust fans to expel moist air from these areas of the home. Additionally, use dehumidifiers and fans to promote air circulation throughout the home.
Sleep well, every night, with clean air
It’s clear that nightly exposure to mold can have a negative impact on your sleep quality, but luckily there are ways to embrace healthy living at home – such as installing an air purifier to yield the best results over time.
Using a HEPA air purifier such as our Air System Plus is an effective way to minimize the risk of mold exposure in your home, to achieve a better night of sleep.
Start living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle with EnviroKlenz and reap the benefits of a better quality of sleep, and the health benefits of eradicating mold.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
EnviroKlenz® Medical Disclaimer:
“Any information that is provided on this website is not for the use by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Nor does the author in any way guarantee or validate the validity, totality, or efficacy of any claims and will therefore not be held responsible for the content of any claims. Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations.”
