Why your room is making you sick – and how to finally make it healthy

Have you ever wondered why you can't really relax in some rooms?

Maybe it's not your daily routine or lack of sleep—it's your environment. Poor room acoustics are an often overlooked problem that can strain your nervous system, impair your concentration, and even endanger your health.

Many people pay attention to furniture, colors, and lighting when designing their rooms – but hardly anyone considers how much the sound of a room influences our well-being . Yet there is growing scientific evidence that poor acoustics are not only disruptive, but can even have long-term health consequences.

Why poor room acoustics cause stress

Do you know that feeling when a room seems somehow uncomfortable? Maybe there's a slight echo, conversations sound restless, or you just don't feel comfortable. Often, it's not the visible elements, but the sound that makes the difference.

When sound waves are reflected uncontrollably from walls, ceilings, and floors, reverberation occurs. Your brain subconsciously perceives this and has to adjust—a strain that makes you tired and stressed.

What happens if the sound is not absorbed properly?

• You have trouble concentrating because your brain constantly has to block out background noise.
• Your sleep quality suffers because your body processes sounds even while you sleep.
• Your body remains in a state of constant tension, which affects your stress level.
• In the long term, this can even lead to health problems such as high blood pressure or headaches.

Scientifically proven: Noise can make you sick

It's no longer a secret that persistent noise is harmful to health. According to the Federal Environment Agency , the health impact begins at 55 decibels (dB) – a level quickly reached by everyday noises such as conversations or light traffic.

A WHO study shows that road traffic noise above 50 dB(A) increases the risk of ischemic heart disease ( Ärzteblatt ).

For every 10 dB(A) increase in noise level, the risk of coronary heart disease increases by 8% ( University Hospital Leipzig ).

This means: Even noises that you don't consciously find disturbing can have a long-term impact on your health.

How to improve your room acoustics

The good news: There are simple measures you can take to make rooms more acoustically pleasant – and this often makes a bigger difference than you think.

1. Use sound-absorbing materials

One of the easiest ways to reduce reverberation is to use soft materials.
Carpets & Curtains: They help to break up and absorb sound.
Upholstered furniture & cushions: The more soft surfaces, the more pleasant the room sound.
Shelves & Plants: Furniture and plants can also help interrupt sound waves.

2. Integrate special acoustic elements

In some cases, fabrics and furniture alone aren't enough to minimize disruptive reverberation. Targeted measures that effectively absorb sound can help—especially important in large, open spaces or offices.

One example of this is special sound absorbers that can be placed in exactly the right places to specifically optimize the sound of a room.

3. Design rooms acoustically

It's worth paying attention to how a room sounds. A simple test: Clap your hands. If you hear a noticeable reverberation, it could be a sign that the room's acoustics aren't optimal.

A well-coordinated room not only creates a more pleasant atmosphere, but can also help reduce stress and improve concentration in the long term.

A small step with a big impact

Many people underestimate how much the sound of a room affects us. But once you've experienced the difference, you quickly realize that it's worth paying attention to good acoustics.

Even small measures can bring about a noticeable change – for more peace, better concentration and a healthier living or working environment

Create an environment that is good for you – instead of unconsciously burdening yourself!