Sleeping in a Car with the AC On? Is it Safe for Your Body?
Starting the car comes hand in hand with turning on the AC. Agree, friends? Especially during the day, the AC feels like a lifesaver from the sun's rays that make it hot and humid. Have you ever had to wait inside the car? While waiting, of course, turning on the AC has become a necessity, right, friends? One hour, two hours, even for hours until you feel sleepy and eventually fall asleep.
Sleeping in the car can also happen when someone is on a long journey, such as going home for the holidays. Instead of wanting to avoid extra expenses by renting a hotel room to rest, some people prefer to sleep in the car during their journey home.
Sleeping in a Car with the AC On is Not Good
However, it turns out that sleeping in the car with the AC on is not good for your body, you know, friends. Actually, there is no problem with sleeping in the car. The problem is the condition of the AC being on. The condition of the AC being on indicates that your car's engine is also running, right, friends?
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Quoting information from Gulfnews, medical experts state that car users should not sleep in the car with the AC on. A person can die from weakness due to sleeping in a car with the AC on, whether it is an old car or a new one.
Research by Dr. Babu Shershad from First Medical Centre in Dubai states that there are several factors that can increase the risk of accidents and health problems when someone sleeps in a car with the AC on.
If the car's mechanical features are misaligned, it can allow exhaust leaks into the vehicle cabin while someone is sleeping, which can increase the risk of suffocation. When the car engine is left running for a long time, there is a concern that pollutant gases or harmful exhaust gases in the form of carbon monoxide will enter the cabin.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless toxic gas. Of course, carbon monoxide (CO) is very dangerous for anyone who inhales it. The effect of carbon monoxide will cause your blood to lose its ability to bind oxygen and circulate it throughout the body. The impact will make your body feel dizzy, weak, lethargic, and dehydrated. If it gets to that point, you won't even be able to scream. The risk of death will be very high.
However, that doesn't mean that driving with the AC on is also unsafe for the body. When driving, you will be aware of the temperature inside the car, and you will easily notice if there is a leak inside the car. If it starts to feel stuffy or you need fresh air, you will certainly roll down the car window.
It’s different when you are sleeping. You will find it difficult to notice the temperature level in the car, which can make you vulnerable to heat buildup and carbon monoxide (CO) accumulation.
So, avoid those potential dangers, okay, friends? If you are on a long journey and need to rest, it is better to look for accommodation or a facility that can usually be used as a resting place. Resting without any threatening dangers will feel more peaceful and safe.
If you are waiting for someone in the car and feel very sleepy and want to sleep, it is better to turn off the car engine and slightly open the window so that air circulation is maintained while you are sleeping.
You can also sleep without fear of bad things happening. But still be careful, okay, friends, when sleeping even if the car engine and AC are off. Who knows if there are thieves and you don’t realize it because you are sleeping too soundly?
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