Contents
This is what happens if you sleep with the air conditioning on
Psychology
Continuous exposure to cold air can lead to discomfort such as headaches or even breathing problems.
What is asthenia
We are not going to talk about the price of electricity or what it can mean for your pocket to sleep with the air conditioning on, but we are going to talk about the effect it can have on your health. It is true that these days when the heat is pressing, everyone who has an air conditioner at home can consider themselves more than lucky and it is also true that maintaining a cool temperature increases well-being and even improves mood. However, the use made of refrigeration appliances is not always correct, nor does it always contribute to ensuring well-being or protecting health. In fact, as explained by Dr. Robert Téllez, a specialist in Medicine
General and internist at Vithas Granada, if the exposure level and temperature are exceeded, the use of air conditioning may have contraindications and cause ailments and discomforts such as headache y migraine, Dry Eye, dehydration, respiratory problems, dry skin, and muscle contractures.
It is better to opt for a fan
Although it is difficult for us to sleep because of the heat, experts warn that if we make a continuous exposure to low temperatures we must take certain precautions. “We must make rational use of the equipment in terms of the number of hours in operation, the temperature and the power. It is not advisable to use it beyond what is necessary to help us sleep, “says Dr. Téllez.
For his part, the recommendation of Dr. Manuel Serrano, head of the Internal Medicine Service at Hospital la Luz, is sleep with the windows open, at least partially, because at dawn the temperature falls naturally and that effect is preferable to the air conditioning temperature.
But it should also be noted that many people do not have an air conditioner at home and spend the summer glued to the fan. Is that option better or worse than air conditioning? According to Dr. Serrano, the use of the fan is preferable to the use of air conditioning as long as we do not receive the direct impact of the fan. “If it is used in clean places, it is more advisable to use it in front of air conditioning because it has fewer side effects,” says Dr. Téllez. As a general recommendation, when using the fan it is better to maintain an oscillation so that it is possible to ventilate the entire room.
Who is affected the most by the misuse of air?
Some people are at higher risk of health problems from the incorrect use of air conditioning. This is the case of people with respiratory problems, asthmatics or people who suffer from some type of allergy or have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Those who suffer bone or muscle pain, rheumatism or contractures can also suffer the effects in a more pronounced way.
To avoid risks, it is important to bear in mind that the optimum temperature for the air conditioning should be between 24 or 25 degrees, according to Dr. Serrano, who warns however that, in the event that the cold affects us directly and the power of the air “jet” is high, it must be taken into account that the cooling is higher than the indicated temperature. For his part, Dr. Téllez reminds us that we will also have to take into account the temperature we have outside, because if there is a sudden change we are at greater risk of suffering from catarrhal infections.
The ideal temperature in the bedroom
According to the Sleep Foundation, ideal bedroom temperature It is about 18,3 degrees Celsius, while most doctors suggest setting it between 15,6 ° C and 19,4 ° C for quality sleep. Most adults are most comfortable sleeping between 15 ° C and 22 ° C. However, the optimal temperature for older people is between 19 ° C and 21 ° C. In the case of babies, to achieve optimal and uninterrupted sleep, it is suggested to maintain a slightly cooler room temperature, between 18 ° C and 21 ° C.
You will sleep better if …
- You renew the air in the room before going to bed: ventilate thoroughly by opening the windows for a while before going to sleep
- You use suitable bedding: cotton or linen allow the skin to breathe without wetting the sheet.
- Early and light dinners: cold soups, salads, fruit or grilled fish are good options.
- Avoid alcohol, coffee and tea: they secrete cortisol, a hormone associated with stress that makes it difficult to fall asleep.
- Avoid intense exercise: nightly physical exercise increases body temperature.
- You take a hot or warm shower before going to bed: avoid cold water because its effect does not last long and makes the body reactivate to regulate the temperature.
Maintaining an ideal bedroom temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius is ideal for achieving the best sleep, according to experts. It is true that devices such as air conditioning systems and fans can help maintain it, although it is also important to take into account the aforementioned negative effects that these devices can have. As advised by Dr. Verena Senn, Neurobiologist and Head of Sleep Research at Emma The Sleep Company keep core body temperature cool through hot shower before bed allows us to eliminate excess body heat, which in turn facilitates sleep.