Is sleeping in an AC room harmful to health? All you need to know

Synopsis- Sleeping in an air-conditioned (AC) room may offer comfort during hot weather, but prolonged exposure can be harmful to health. Experts warn that keeping the AC on all night may lead to respiratory issues, ear infections, and body temperature imbalances, especially in children and the elderly. Poor ventilation in closed AC rooms can cause indoor air pollution, while excessive cold may result in hypothermia. 

When the heat gets unbearable, it is natural for most people to rely on air conditioners, but experts say that sleeping with the AC on in the bedroom all night is not good for health. In India, a country where heat is generally high, the AC is used all year round. Apart from protecting from heat, it also protects from dust. It also helps in getting a comfortable sleep, but long-term use of the AC can be harmful to health.

Here is why you should not turn on the AC all night

Sleeping for long hours with the AC on can do more harm than good for children and adults.

∙ Respiratory problems: Windows and doors are closed to ensure proper cooling in an air-conditioned room. Insufficient ventilation and continuous air conditioning can cause air to stagnate in the room. Since the movement of fresh air is obstructed, the room becomes polluted with dust, allergens, etc. While sleeping in an AC room, inhaling these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. Moisture in the air can cause mold and mildew, which can also lead to respiratory problems. It can also cause an unpleasant odor in the room.

∙ Ear infections: Cold air from air conditioners can cause pain and discomfort in the ears. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked. (The Eustachian tube is the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat.) The gradual increase in pressure can also cause infections.

∙ Body temperature changes: Sleeping in an air-conditioned room can help cool the body. Doctors recommend that the room should be at a comfortable temperature for uninterrupted sleep, but a continuously cold environment can cause hypothermia, a condition where the body temperature drops too low. This can cause shivering and can cause health problems in children and the elderly.

What should you be careful about if you sleep in an air-conditioned room?

∙ Moderate temperature

The temperature in the room where you sleep should not fall below 24 degrees Celsius. Although personal preferences may vary, adjust only according to the outside temperature and humidity. Some people set the AC temperature to the lowest setting in extremely hot weather, but this can cause extreme cold and health problems.

∙ In places with centralized AC, there is no way to avoid continuous use of AC. However, continuous use of the AC can disrupt natural sleep. It is better to limit the use of AC to one or two hours during sleeping hours. Or, you can use a programmable thermostat for a short period of time.