Is it OK to sleep with scented candles on?

Author: Darrel Stokes  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Never burn a candle for more than four hours. Never leave a candle unattended, and don't burn it if you may fall asleep.

Can you leave a scented candle overnight?

No, it is not recommended to leave a candle burning all night or unattended. Candles can pose a fire hazard if left unattended, and can cause a fire if knocked over or if flammable materials are too close to the flame.

Are scented candles good for sleep?

They can help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep. Whether you're looking to create a relaxing atmosphere in your home, manage stress and anxiety, or improve your sleep, scented candles can be a valuable tool for promoting mental health and well-being.

Are scented candles safe to inhale?

Yes, inhaling smoke from a candle can be harmful to your health. Candle smoke contains various toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and soot, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause respiratory problems.

Is it okay to fall asleep with a candle on?

No, it is not safe to sleep with a candle lit. Leaving a candle burning unattended poses a significant fire hazard and increases the risk of accidents. Always extinguish candles before going to sleep or leaving a room.

The Dirty Truth About Scented Candles

Is it bad to burn candles in bedroom?

Don't use candles in bedrooms or anywhere where you might fall asleep. Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they're out completely at night. Place your candles carefully.

Why can't you burn a candle for more than 4 hours?

If you burn your candle for more than 4 hours at a time, carbon will collect on the wick, and your wick will begin to "mushroom." This can cause the wick to become unstable, the flame to get too large, your candle to smoke, and soot to be released into the air and around your candle container.

Are scented candles good for your lungs?

“A good number of studies have assessed candle emissions under controlled settings as well as in homes and shown that burning candles contributes to poor air quality and increases the risk of inhalational exposure to chemicals of concern,” said Dr.

What is the healthiest candle to burn?

Soy wax and coconut wax are two of the most popular choices for healthy candles. They are both made from natural, renewable resources, and they burn cleaner than paraffin wax (which we'll discuss below). This means they release little to no toxins into the air, which can be beneficial for your health.

Are bath and body works candles soy?

The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles. Although soy is an ingredient, our candles are not considered soy candles.

Is it OK to burn scented candles everyday?

In a 2014 peer-reviewed study on the human health risks of particulate emissions from candles in indoor environments, researchers did detect cancer-causing chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde, but they concluded that the emissions from candles are unlikely to cause long-term health effects in people.

Where should scented candles be placed in a bedroom?

On Your Dresser Or Bookcase

Along with a few books, maybe some flowers or other sentimental trinkets, a scented candle can work really well here. Just make sure it's placed far enough away from the wall to avoid any smoke marks that might happen.

Why do candles help with anxiety?

The light that a candle gives off can create a calming illumination. The low light allows your body to relax, which can affect how you feel physically and emotionally. This helps to relax your mind and body. Even the crackle of the wick from the candle creates a soothing sound to reduce stress.

What candles are good for sleep?

Lavender scented candles are known for increasing relaxation and calm which can then help you to sleep better. Jasmine also has a natural soothing effect whilst sweet basil can reduce feelings of stress and also help you sleep.

When should you stop using a candle?

Stop use when only 1/4 inch of wax remains. WE KNOW IT'S TEMPTING TO SAVOR EVERY LAST BIT OF YOUR CANDLE, BUT WHEN YOUR CANDLE HAS BURNT DOWN TO 1/2" FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VESSEL, IT'S TIME TO STOP BURNING IT. BURNING THE CANDLE THIS FAR DOWN CAN BE A SAFETY HAZARD SO IT'S IMPORTANT YOU DON'T CONTINUE LETTING IT BURN.

Why do I wake up with black soot in my nose?

Similar to brown snot, black nasal mucus can be the result of dried blood or from inhaling something dark like cigarette smoke, or exposure to pollution like smog or dust. However, in some cases, it could also be a symptom of a fungal infection, which tend to affect those with a compromised immune system. Dr.

What candles to avoid?

How to Avoid Toxins in Scented Candles
  • Avoid super cheap or “dollar store” candles.
  • Buy only candles made in the USA.
  • Avoid candles with metal core in the wick. You can check by peeling back the cotton to see if there is metal at the core.
  • Avoid gel candles.

Are bath and body works candles non-toxic?

Are Bath and Body Works candles non-toxic? Typically, these candles use synthetic fragrances, which do not meet the criteria for non-toxic.

Are yankee candles non-toxic?

Yes, you can be reassured that numerous independent and authenticated studies have confirmed that candles are safe to use when burned following manufacturer instructions. We offer safety guidelines on the bottom of our candles and on our Candle Care page.

What are the side effects of scented candles?

The most common complaints from those who had been exposed to scented candles were vertigo, headaches, mucosa irritation, respiratory issues, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, chest tightness, and a dry or irritated throat.

Do candles raise blood pressure?

Those using candles moderately (1–4 times/week) were more likely to have hypertension before baseline, compared with other candle‐use groups (<1 or >4 times/week).

What is the 3 hour candle rule?

A good rule of thumb is to let your candle burn at least one hour per inch of container diameter. For instance, if you were burning a brand new luxury candle from the Harlem Candle Co., you should let it burn for at least 3 hours during the first time because the container diameter is around 3 inches.

Can I leave my candle on overnight?

Candles pose a significant fire hazard, especially if left burning overnight. A lit candle can ignite nearby objects, such as curtains, bedding, or clothing. Once a fire starts, it can quickly spread throughout the room, putting everyone in the house at risk. In worst-case scenarios, candle-related fires can be fatal.

What is the 84 rule for candles?

One of our favorite types comes from the Armatage Candle Company, which encourages new business owners to heed the "84 Candle Rule"—that is, create 84 candles and give most of them away.

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