Why You Should Always Close Your Bedroom Door at Night

Written by Camilla Jessen

Feb.10 - 2025 5:29 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Should the bedroom door be open or closed at night?

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Do you sleep with your bedroom door open or closed?

It’s a small detail that most people don’t think twice about — but it could save your life.

Many prefer to leave the door open for fresh air, to hear their children, or to let pets come and go. But fire safety experts strongly advise against it.

According to the American Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), as cited by Dagens.de, keeping your bedroom door closed at night can make the difference between life and death in the event of a fire.

A Closed Door Can Save Your Life

If a fire breaks out, a closed door acts as a barrier, slowing the spread of flames, smoke, and toxic gases. This extra time could be crucial for escaping safely.

House fires today burn faster than ever due to modern building materials and furniture.

In the past, people had about 17 minutes to evacuate a burning home—now, that window has shrunk to just three minutes. That’s barely enough time to wake up, react, and get out.

The solution is easy: close your bedroom door before going to sleep. This applies to your room and your children’s rooms. While it may be tempting to leave the door open for pets, a safer night’s sleep is worth the small inconvenience.

Paired with working smoke detectors, this small habit can greatly improve your chances of survival in a house fire.

So tonight, before you turn off the lights—close the door. It might just save your life.