Continuous exposure to air conditioning negatively affects sleep quality. The natural cycle of rest is interrupted by low temperature, which causes an increase in micro-awakenings and a lower quality of restful sleep.

The presence of cold air can cause an increase in heart rate and muscle contractions. It is also associated with stiffness in the neck and back, resulting in waking up tired and sore.

In addition, air conditioning can weaken the defenses, according to the Spanish Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Cooling the mucous membranes increases susceptibility to viruses such as rhinovirus, doubling their replication capacity and causing summer colds.

Dampness and side effects

The extreme dehumidification generated by air conditioning equipment impairs breathing.

Low humidity levels trigger irritation in the nasal mucosa and predispose to respiratory problems in people with asthma and COPD, and cause eye discomfort.

Recommendations for healthy use

To minimize the negative effects of air conditioning, it is recommended to turn it on 30 minutes before going to sleep and regulate the temperature between 23 and 25 ºC.

Considering the use of humidifiers helps maintain an environment suitable for respiratory health.

Symptoms of lack of sleep

Air conditioning, when used incorrectly (especially if the jet of air hits the body directly), causes sleep with more micro-awakenings that is not deep and restorative, and when you wake up you feel strangely tired as if you had not rested. This continuous air increases heart rate and body movements, especially affecting light sleep.

Added to this are physical symptoms due to constant cold and dryness: sore throat, nasal congestion, dry itchy eyes or conjunctivitis and dry skin.

The constant cold also causes contraction of blood vessels, muscle hardening and classic neck or back contractures as soon as you wake up. Due to the dehydration generated by the dry environment, headaches and migraines appear.

In terms of mental and next-day effects, lack of restful sleep leads to greater drowsiness, irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, lower performance and productivity, as well as increased stress. Dizziness and breathing problems may also appear due to irritation of the respiratory tract.

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