During the summer, to beat the excruciating heat, many people keep the AC on for long hours through the day. While it helps you stay cool and comfortable, how healthy is it to remain in an air-conditioned environment for the entire day? Let’s hear what a health expert has to say on it.
We asked Dr Melissa Sathyan, consultant – internal medicine at Rela Hospital in Chennai, who raised a big concern that over time, prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can lead to metabolic changes, as the body is not really naturally adaptive to artificial cooling.
Why should you not spend long hours in AC?
It is high time you reconsider spending long hours in air-conditioned spaces, as continuous exposure to artificial cooling has health ramifications that affect your metabolism, energy levels and overall wellbeing. The doctor outlined two key problem areas, which include the possibility of weight gain and increased fatigue.
The first source of concern is reduced natural thermoregulation. What is this? Dr Sathyan explained, “When we are in a constantly cool environment, it burns fewer calories to maintain temperature. Combined with long sitting time, this can slow down metabolism and result in fat accumulation.”
Besides, air-conditioned environments are so cosy that you feel like huddling in a blanket and bingewatching your favourite shows, leading to increased sedentary behaviour and lower physical activity, which can contribute to weight gain. So it means that when you continue this habit over a long period, you are at risk of slow metabolism, and with major physiological changes, you also likely gain weight.
The second is fatigue. The doctor explained why fatigue occurs and how it all comes down to the recirculated air of the AC.
“Poor air quality, low humidity and recirculated air can reduce oxygen freshness and lead to tiredness, headaches and reduced cognitive performance,” he described. Further, it leads to symptoms like fatigue, headaches, dryness and reduced mental focus. These symptoms are called dehydration as AC’s dry air pulls moisture from the body.
But are there any serious issues that can develop? Dr Sathyan gave an affirmative answer, noting that prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory irritation, sinus issues, and frequent infections, especially in closed workplaces where air is recycled. Further, there is also the added risk of musculoskeletal problems. Why? The doctor reasoned it’s because of stiffness and joint pain from sitting for long hours.
Warning symptoms to look for
How do you know if your AC is taking a toll on your health? The doctor shared these tell-tale signs:
- Persistent fatigue
- Headaches
- Dry throat
- Frequent cold
- Gradual weight gain without any obvious cause
Steps to be taken for prevention
To ensure your health does not turn south when you are in AC, here are some doctor-approved tips to stay safe:
- Drink a lot of water so your body doesn’t get the chance to dry out
- Take small breaks every 1 hour for stretching and movement
- Try breathing in natural air during breaks
- Avoid being in excessively low temperatures
In the end, the doctor insisted on an important point: AC in itself is not harmful, but continuous exposure can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which inevitably affects metabolism and energy levels. So, what is the real issue here? It is how long you stay in cooled spaces. Make sure you stay active, exercise on time, and avoid lounging around the entire day in AC.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
