Side Effects of Sleeping in AC: Sleeping with the air conditioner running all night to escape the scorching heat has become a necessity rather than a luxury today. But did you know that the cool air in which you sleep peacefully is gradually hollowing out your skeletal system, i.e., your bones? According to recent medical research and experts, prolonged direct exposure to AC can cause serious problems in bones and joints.
According to a report, when our body remains in artificial cold temperatures for a long time, blood circulation slows down. Due to the cold air, our muscles and tendons begin to contract, increasing stiffness in the joints. This is medically called ‘cold-induced musculoskeletal pain’.
A renowned orthopedic surgeon explains that AC air is not natural and completely absorbs humidity from the air. According to him, “When you sleep at 20 degrees Celsius or lower all night, the ‘synovial fluid’ present between the joints, which acts as a lubricant, begins to thicken. This increases friction in the joints, and upon waking up in the morning, you feel body stiffness, back pain, and neck strain. Over time, this habit can lead to problems like osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder.”
Along with bones, AC can also pose a challenge to your lungs. According to a recent report and pulmonary research, the cold air from AC constricts the airways, a condition called ‘bronchoconstriction’. This can be life-threatening for patients with asthma or bronchitis. Research indicates that bacteria and mold growing in AC filters can enter the lungs through the air, causing ‘hypersensitivity pneumonia’. Doctors warn that breathing in an unserviced AC can cause permanent damage to lung tissue.
Apart from bones and lungs, the first effect of AC is on your eyes. According to research, the air conditioner completely absorbs humidity from the room air, causing the ‘tear film’ that protects the eyes to dry out rapidly. This is medically known as ‘evaporative dry eye syndrome’. Studies show that people who sleep directly under AC air all night experience 30% more problems with eye irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Doctors advise not to direct the AC airflow toward the face to avoid permanent eye damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended solely to raise awareness about diseases and health-related issues. It is not a substitute for qualified medical opinion. However, readers are advised not to try any medication, treatment, or remedy on their own but to consult an expert or doctor related to that medical field.
