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Can You Get Sick from Sleeping With the Air Conditioner on?

ByRalph P. Sita Updated onJanuary 21, 2025

Sleeping with the air conditioner on during a hot summer night can lead to several health issues. The dry air produced by the AC can cause dehydration, which may result in headaches or dizziness. Additionally, the cold air may dry out your nasal passages and throat, making you more vulnerable to catching a cold or developing a sinus infection. For individuals with asthma or allergies, the air conditioning can also trigger respiratory issues and worsen their symptoms. Therefore, while an AC provides relief from the heat, it can inadvertently affect your health in these ways.

Can You Get Sick from Sleeping With the Air Conditioner on
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  • Can Sleeping With Air Conditioning Make You Sick?
  • Can Air Conditioning Cause Flu Like Symptoms?
  • Can You Catch a Cold from the Air Conditioning?
  • Is It Ok to Sleep With Ac on Overnight?
  • Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness
  • How to Treat Air Conditioning Sickness?
  • Side Effects of Sleeping in Air Conditioning
  • Is Air Conditioning Making You Sick?
  • Can Air conditioning Give You a Sore Throat?
  • Next Steps
    • Related Articles

Can Sleeping With Air Conditioning Make You Sick?

While there is no definitive answer, some experts believe that sleeping with air conditioning can make you sick. The reasoning behind this belief is that air conditioning can dry out your nasal passages and throat, making them more susceptible to infection.

Additionally, cold air can cause your body to produce more mucus, which can also lead to respiratory infections.

So if you are susceptible to respiratory infections or have a weakened immune system, it’s best to avoid sleeping with air conditioning.

Can Air Conditioning Cause Flu Like Symptoms?

It’s that time of year again when the temperatures start to rise and people begin reaching for the air conditioner remote. But before you crank up the AC, you may want to consider whether it could be making you sick. Some experts believe that air conditioning can cause flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, headache and sore throat.

While there is no definitive proof that AC is responsible for making people sick, there are some theories about how it could happen. One theory is that cold air from the AC can cause your nasal passages to dry out, which makes them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Another theory is that AC units circulate dust and other particles around the room, which can also lead to respiratory problems.

So if you’re feeling under the weather after turning on the air conditioner, it’s worth considering whether it could be playing a role in your illness. To stay healthy, make sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated while using AC. And if possible, try to keep your AC unit clean and free of dust buildup.

Can You Catch a Cold from the Air Conditioning?

The air conditioning in your home or office can lower the temperature of the air and make you feel cooler. But, it can also dry out the air and make you more susceptible to catching a cold or other infection.

The viruses that cause colds and other respiratory infections are spread through the air, so if someone with a cold is using the AC, it could circulate throughout the space and make others sick.

Additionally, people tend to spend more time indoors when it’s hot outside, so there’s a greater chance for transmission of respiratory viruses when AC is being used.

Is It Ok to Sleep With Ac on Overnight?

There are a few schools of thought on this topic. Some people believe that it is perfectly fine to sleep with the AC on overnight, while others believe that it can be harmful to do so. Those who believe it is OK to sleep with the AC on overnight typically argue that air conditioning units filter the air as they circulate it, removing pollutants and improving air quality.

Additionally, they say that sleeping in a cool environment can help you get a better night’s sleep. On the other hand, those who believe it is harmful to sleep with the AC on overnight typically argue that breathing in cold air can lead to respiratory problems. Additionally, they say that AC units can circulate dust and other allergens, which can trigger allergies or asthma attacks.

So, what’s the verdict? Is it OK to sleep with the AC on overnight? Ultimately, there is no definitive answer.

It really comes down to personal preference and what makes you comfortable. If you have any concerns about sleeping with the AC on overnight, be sure to talk to your doctor before making a decision.

Symptoms of Air Conditioning Sickness

There are a few different types of air conditioning sickness, and the symptoms can vary depending on which type you have. The most common type is called “sick building syndrome” (SBS), and it’s usually caused by poorly ventilated buildings that trap in pollutants. Symptoms of SBS include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

If you think you might have SBS, the best thing to do is see a doctor so they can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Another type of air conditioning sickness is called “building-related illness” (BRI). This is similar to SBS, but the symptoms are caused by specific contaminants in the air, like mold or chemicals.

BRI can also cause respiratory problems like asthma attacks. If you think you might have BRI, it’s important to see a doctor right away so they can test for specific contaminants and help you avoid them in the future.

Finally, there’s a condition called “thermal discomfort” that can be caused by both SBS and BRI.

Thermal discomfort happens when the temperature or humidity in a building is too high or too low – basically, if it feels like the climate inside is uncomfortable. Symptoms of thermal discomfort include sweating, shivering, dry eyes/mouth/skin, and headache.

If you think your workplace might be causing thermal discomfort, talk to your boss or HR department about making some changes to the climate control settings.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms – especially if more than one person in your office is having them – it’s important to take action so you can feel better and stay healthy at work!

How to Treat Air Conditioning Sickness?

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from air conditioning sickness, also known as “sick building syndrome,” don’t despair. There are things you can do to ease your symptoms and make your environment more comfortable. First, try to identify the source of your discomfort.

If your office or home has central air conditioning, there may be a problem with the ventilation system. Check with your building manager or landlord to see if the system can be serviced or repaired. If you suspect that mold or mildew is causing your air conditioning sickness, ask about having the unit cleaned or replaced.

In some cases, simply increasing the amount of fresh air circulating through the space can make a big difference in how you feel. There are also a few things you can do on your own to improve the quality of the surrounding air:

– Keep indoor plants to help filter out pollutants and add moisture to dry air.

– Use an air purifier with HEPA filtration to remove allergens and other particles from the air.

Side Effects of Sleeping in Air Conditioning

Most people love the feeling of being cold and snuggling under a warm blanket, but did you know that sleeping in air conditioning can have some serious side effects? While it may seem like the perfect way to stay cool during those hot summer nights, sleeping in air conditioning can actually be detrimental to your health. Here are some of the potential side effects of sleeping in air conditioning:

1. Dehydration When you sleep in air conditioning, your body is exposed to dry air which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause a number of problems including headaches, fatigue and dry skin.

To avoid these issues, make sure to drink plenty of water before going to bed and keep a glass of water by your bedside so you can drink it throughout the night.

2. Sore throat Another common side effect of sleeping in air conditioning is a sore throat. This is because the dry air irritates the throat and causes inflammation. If you suffer from a sore throat after sleeping in air conditioning, try using a humidifier or keeping a glass of water by your bedside so you can sip on it throughout the night.

3. Congestion: Dry air can also lead to congestion and difficulty breathing, especially for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. If you find yourself struggling to breathe after spending a night in air conditioning, try using a humidifier or placing a bowl of water near your bed so the moisture will help alleviate congestion symptoms.

4. Irritated eyes: Another issue caused by dry air is irritated eyes. If you wake up with dry, red or irritated eyes after spending time in an AC-cooled room, try using an eye drop solution to lubricate and rehydrate your eyes.

Is Air Conditioning Making You Sick?

Can Air conditioning Give You a Sore Throat?

If you have ever felt a sore throat after spending time in an air-conditioned room, you are not alone. Though the condition is not well known, it is actually quite common. The medical term for this condition is “air-conditioner throat,” and it occurs when the air you breathe in is very dry.

Dry air can irritate your throat and cause inflammation. This can lead to a sore throat, as well as other symptoms such as coughing, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. Air-conditioner throat is more likely to occur if you already have a cold or allergies.

These conditions can make your throat even more sensitive to dry air. There are several things you can do to help prevent or relieve air-conditioner throat:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep your throat moist. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can further dehydrate your body.

• Use a humidifier in your home or office to add moisture to the air. Make sure to clean it regularly to avoid mold growth.

• Take breaks from being in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. Spend some time outside or in rooms that are not cooled by AC units. following these tips should help you avoid or ease symptoms of air-conditioner throat next time you find yourself in a cooled room!

Next Steps

Yes, you can get sick from sleeping with the air conditioner on. When you sleep, your body temperature drops and your immune system goes into overdrive. The cooler temperature of the air conditioner can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to catching a cold or the flu.

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Ralph P. Sita
Author: Ralph P. Sita

Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com. A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership. Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.

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Ralph P. Sita

Ralph P. Sita is a seasoned professional with deep roots in both the HVAC and tech industries. His family’s business, Ralph P. Sita, Inc., is a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor with over 42 years of experience, serving the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. The company specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services, offering everything from installation and maintenance to custom ductwork and indoor air quality solutions -www.ralphpsita.com.

A former CPA, he spent the last decade as co-founder and co-CEO at Cybrary, a leading platform for cybersecurity and IT training. Cybrary became the largest, most well-known cybersecurity training businesses in the industry under his leadership.

Smart AC Solutions is an opportunity to give back to the HVAC community by providing reliable, actionable information on all things heating and cooling.

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