Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP
Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP

Digital and technical solutions for optimizing the building physics of the sleep environment

Healthy sleep begins with the room – Why we need to rethink the sleep environment

Mann kann nachts wegen lauter Nachbarn nicht einschlafen
© Valery Sidelnykov / Shutterstock

Sleep disorders have become a widespread public health issue – over 40% of the German population report problems falling or staying asleep. While health, nutrition, and physical activity are central topics in preventive research, the impact of the sleep environment is still frequently overlooked. Yet factors such as indoor climate, acoustics, light, and air quality are crucial for restorative sleep. This is precisely where our project comes in: At the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP, we are developing innovative, digital, and building physics solutions designed to measurably improve sleep quality – both in private homes and in hotels, clinics, and care facilities. Our goal is to promote a new understanding of healthy sleep through intelligently designed rooms. Companies in construction, technology, hotel, and healthcare directly benefit from practice-oriented concepts, new services, and sound scientific expertise.

Project goals

Our project aims to systematically record the spatial factors influencing sleep quality and translate them into practical solutions. A central focus lies on personalized measures to optimize lighting, temperature, acoustics, and air quality - based on real user feedback. To achieve this, we are developing digital tools, such as a room and sleep analysis app, interactive recommendations, and smart information solutions that support the continuous improvement of the sleep environment. It is particularly important that these solutions are not only technically innovative but also tailored to specific application contexts and target groups – from accessible housing to smart hotel rooms. By bridging building physics, digitalization, and health research, we are creating new approaches for companies that recognize sleep as both a quality factor and a competitive advantage.

Project results

The project is based on sound preliminary work and proven technologies at Fraunhofer IBP. With successful funding and strong interdisciplinary expertise, we are currently conducting comprehensive analyses of sleep environments in residential buildings, healthcare facilities, and hotels. In parallel, an extensive user survey is being carried out to gather real-life experiences with room-related sleep disturbances. From these findings, we derive intelligent solution strategies – individualized, scalable, and scientifically validated. The development of an innovative app for analyzing, visualizing, and improving indoor parameters is already in full progress. Initial digital learning modules and tutorials are also being implemented. Fraunhofer IBP serves as your ideal partner: we combine technical excellence, scientific validity, and market-oriented applications – offering a compelling package for companies that recognize indoor quality and sleep comfort as key topics for the future.