Should You Put a Basin of Water in the Bedroom Before Sleeping?

Putting a basin of water in the bedroom before going to sleep is a straightforward measure often used on nights when the air is very dry. As the water evaporates, it adds a small amount of moisture to the room and may temporarily ease the feeling of dryness in the nose, throat and skin. Its impact is limited and varies according to the room’s size, ventilation and starting humidity, so this method is not a replacement for a humidifier when the air is extremely dry.

Why can a basin of water make a bedroom less dry?

Water left exposed to the air evaporates continuously. This releases water vapour into the room and may cause a slight increase in relative humidity around the container, especially in small bedrooms with little ventilation over several nighttime hours.

The effect is generally more noticeable during dry spells, when outdoor humidity falls considerably and the mucous membranes begin to dry out. Some discomforts that may temporarily improve include:

• A dry feeling in the nose;
• A dry throat on waking;
• Drier lips and skin overnight;
• Discomfort caused by air conditioning or very dry weather;
• The sensation that the room is excessively arid.

Where should you place a basin of water in the bedroom to encourage evaporation?

The container should be positioned on a stable surface, away from walkways and well clear of sockets, extension leads and electronic devices. A wider basin provides more surface area for evaporation than a narrow bottle, although there is no need to place it beside the bed or add hot water to achieve this effect.

Why should the water be changed every day?

Leaving standing water in place for several days can create a bigger issue than the intended benefit. Dust and organic material may build up in the container and, depending on local conditions, mosquitoes may use the water to lay eggs.

For this reason, the routine should involve emptying, washing and refilling it every day. This precaution is particularly important during warmer periods.

• Tip out all the water in the morning;
• Wash the basin before filling it again;
• Do not leave the same container standing for several days;
• Keep the basin out of the reach of children and pets;
• Avoid concealed containers that could be forgotten.

Does more humidity always make a bedroom more comfortable?

No. Excessive humidity can also encourage mould, dust mites and condensation on walls and windows. If the bedroom already has damp marks, a musty smell or wet surfaces in the morning, introducing more water into the air may make matters worse. The aim should be a moderate humidity level, without turning the room into a continually damp space.

A basin helps, but its effect is far smaller than a humidifier’s

A basin of water in the bedroom may provide some comfort on particularly dry nights because it slowly increases the amount of water vapour in the air. However, because evaporation occurs without control, there is no assurance that the room’s humidity will rise enough to make a significant difference. Strong ventilation, larger bedrooms and lower temperatures can reduce the effect further.

This approach is most suitable as a simple, temporary measure during dry spells, provided the water is replaced daily and the room does not already have excessive humidity. When the nose and throat remain very dry despite these measures, managing humidity with suitable equipment and considering other possible causes of discomfort is usually more effective than simply placing more water-filled containers around the bedroom.