There are ways that you can enjoy the essence of incense as you sleep. Keep reading to learn how to safely use incense as a sleeping aid. <\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHazards of Leaving Incense to Burn Overnight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It can seem harmless to leave incense burning overnight. How can that narrow stream of delightfully smelling smoke cause problems? You might wonder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Potential Fire Hazard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Well, you can pose that question to the owner of this Arizona guest house<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incense that was burning in the corner of a room set this house ablaze to the extent that twenty-four firefighters from ten different firehouse units were needed to extinguish the fire.<\/strong> It took them eight minutes and fortunately none of them were injured. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Eight minutes may sound like a short amount of time but it only takes about five minutes for an entire house<\/a> to be filled with smoke and flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to house fires, seconds are equivalent to an eternity in terms of the rate at which the fire spreads and the amount of damage it can potentially cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And this is the primary reason not to leave incense to burn unattended. Within seconds, you can go from experiencing peaceful sleep to being abruptly awakened by the sound of a smoke alarm.<\/strong> If you\u2019re fortunate, there will be a rapid response and no one will be seriously hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Newer research studies<\/a> are suggesting that incense burning might create toxicity within the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike past studies, this one considers the global use of incense in all its various forms, frequency, and brands. Various chemicals can be released into the air during the combustion process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, carbon monoxide is produced as incense burns and can prevent your blood from properly distributing oxygen throughout your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reduced oxygen flow can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and weakness. With prolonged exposure more severe illnesses can result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To prevent illness, you might want to reduce the frequency and intensity of incense burning in general and especially as you sleep at night. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you\u2019re sleeping, you\u2019ll be less likely to notice if you begin to feel ill. Subsequently, you won\u2019t be able to respond as quickly or at all in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is another reason why it\u2019s best to burn incense when you\u2019re lucid and can take corrective action when necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And keeping incense lit for an extended period of time might adversely impact the health of others within the home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More specifically, in this study<\/a>, persistent incense burning posed neurodevelopmental challenges for Taiwanese infants. <\/strong>They didn\u2019t meet all of their gross motor neurodevelopmental milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some examples of these milestones include movements like lifting their arms, rolling over, crawling, walking, bouncing, or jumping. If there are occasional developmental delays, it may not severely impact an infant as it grows. But persistent delays as an infant will create more developmental challenges during childhood, including decreased learning capacity<\/a> and unhealthy interpersonal behaviors.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that infants would have to be exposed to excessive amounts of incense smoke in order for there to be developmental concerns. <\/em>But if there’s an infant or child in your bedroom or home, you\u2019ll want to limit their exposure to incense smoke<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you enjoy falling asleep to a nice aroma, you don\u2019t have to forego burning incense before bed. There are safe ways that you burn incense at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to have peaceful, enjoyable sleep, it would benefit you to burn the most natural incense that you can find<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Excessive exposure to some brands of incense can lead to poor health outcomes. Contrary to popular belief, incense has not<\/em> been found<\/a> to be directly linked to terminal illnesses like cancer. But with prolonged exposure, it can agitate pre-existing lung conditions, like asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The safest thing you can do is burn incense that hasn\u2019t been dipped in fragrance chemicals. And regardless of which brand of incense you use, always burn it in a well-ventilated area. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Always choose an incense holder that\u2019s compatible with the incense that you\u2019re burning. Long incense sticks require heavy incense holders that won\u2019t tip over. <\/strong>These are usually made of metal, ceramic, concrete, or wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lighter ceramic or wood holders are sufficient for short sticks or cones that are three inches or shorter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The holder should also be long or wide enough to catch the <\/strong>ashes that will fall from your incense<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to place your incense holder on a sturdy, flat, heat-resistant, and non-flammable surface before lighting it. This prevents tip overs and fires.<\/strong> You might be surprised how much heat can be contained in incense holders. You want it to sit on a surface that won\u2019t get damaged or ignite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also pay attention to where ashes are falling. <\/strong>Sometimes hot embers fall with the ashes and this can cause a fire if the surface beneath your incense<\/a> holder is something flammable, like carpet. This is another reason why it\u2019s important to have the appropriate incense holder that will catch the ashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The length of time<\/a> that the smell of your incense will last after burning will vary widely. It depends on what kind of incense you\u2019re burning, its length, the quality of the ingredients used to make it, the temperature within your home, and so forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re familiar with the incense you typically burn, then you have an idea of how long it will last. Oftentimes you can find this information on the incense packaging as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n General rule is that you should light your incense 10 to 30 minutes before going to bed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Only light the incense if you plan to remain in the room as it\u2019s burning. Leaving it unattended even for a few seconds can pose a fire hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure there\u2019s nothing flammable hanging over or nearby the lit incense. You\u2019ll want to avoid placing burning incense near window treatments, clothing, and reading materials. Also avoid flammable liquids like alcohol or chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there\u2019s an open window and strong winds blowing in, relocate the incense to prevent it from getting blown over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before going to sleep or leaving the room, make sure that the incense is fully extinguished. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If its tip is still glowing, then you can run it under cold water<\/strong> to fully snuff it out, or you can press it into sand or against concrete<\/strong> until it\u2019s no longer lit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Periodically testing your smoke detector is essential when you burn incense or light candles<\/a> on a regular basis. You don\u2019t want to accidentally forget to extinguish either of them, and then learn that your smoke detector isn\u2019t working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All smoke detectors have a \u201ctest\u201d button that you can press to ensure that it\u2019s still working. <\/strong>If it is, you will hear a loud noise for a short period of time. Supposing that there isn\u2019t a noise, you\u2019ll want to immediately replace the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you remember from this post<\/a> some incense fragrances, like rose or lavender<\/a>, can actually help you fall asleep.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to that, Nippon Kodo\u2019s Premium Hana-no-Hana incense<\/a> is designed to linger longer than what\u2019s typical for most natural incense.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These sticks are under three inches long, and will burn for ten minutes. Such a short burn time is ideal right before bed. And you\u2019ll experience the benefits of a deep and lasting sleep that will help you to feel more well rested in the morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the occasion that you\u2019re uninterested in having to monitor burning incense, but would still like for your room to have a relaxing aroma before bed, there is an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you must sleep while inhaling a calming fragrance, then diffuse essential oils<\/a> instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a safer and healthier alternative because you can operate a diffuser overnight, and essential oils are 100% plant matter.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPotential Environmental Risks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Potential Health Risks for Infants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Safely Burn Incense Before Bed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Burn Natural Incense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sturdy Incense Holder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safe Surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prepare for Bed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Remain in the Room<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Extinguish Your Incense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Test Your Smoke Detector Monthly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Best Incense to Burn Before Going to Sleep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
An Alternative to Burning Incense Overnight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n