CLAIM:
Using the air conditioner overnight can cause respiratory problems, dry skin and eyes, muscle stiffness, and fatigue, among other health issues.

FACT:
True. Prolonged exposure to air conditioners, be it overnight or during the day can exacerbate respiratory issues. But precautions can be taken to ensure safety.

As summer temperatures soar in India many people use their air conditioners overnight and for long hours during the day. But does spending long hours in air conditioning pose any health risk?

Well that is what is a viral reel on Instagram with over 2 million views claims, which says “STOP SLEEPING WITH AC ENTIRE NIGHT!”
According to the reel’s caption, sleeping with your AC on all night, could lead to health issues “including respiratory problems, dry skin and eyes, muscle stiffness, and fatigue,” and its “dry air can irritate the respiratory tract, and cold air can trigger coughing and wheezing!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by selfcare | Beauty | Lifestyle (@selfcareglowie_)

But is your air conditioner really harming you?

First Check spoke with Dr G.C. Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute, New Delhi, on this issue, who agreed that “prolonged exposure to air conditioning, be it overnight or during the day can exacerbate respiratory issues.”

“The cold, most importantly the dry air irritates the respiratory tract, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, especially in those with asthma or allergies. Air conditioners can also circulate indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander worsening symptoms for sensitive individuals,” he said.

Moreover, if AC filters are not regularly cleaned, they may also spread airborne pollutants, further increasing risk of respiratory problems, according to Dr Khilnani.

“Being in a permanently air-conditioned environment is dangerous if proper cleanliness is not maintained,” he explained.

The other issue with prolonged air conditioner use is that of hydration, or lack thereof, according to the pulmonologist. “People tend to drink less water if they are in an air-conditioned environment than otherwise, which leads to a host of other issues. The resulting dryness can also affect the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, resulting in conditions like dry eyes, irritated skin, and a dry throat or nose,” he said.

The solution? Switch off your air conditioner once the room is cool enough, according to Dr Khilnani. “A cool room can initially help with sleep, so what I would recommend is that one brings the room to a lower temperature where the body and immediate surroundings cool down and then switch off the air-conditioner,” he said.

He also suggested trading in your air conditioners, for air coolers instead, as they don’t let the room get too dry.

“My advice would be to drink enough water if one is sitting in air-conditioned rooms for long periods of time, and to clean the AC filters along with one’s surroundings,” he said.

Also Read: Fact-check: Onions won’t help you beat the summer heat

(Do you have a health-related claim that you would like us to fact-check? Send it to us, and we will fact-check it for you! You can send it on WhatsApp at +91-9311223141, mail us at hello@firstcheck.in, or click here to submit it online)