In summer, more people tend to feel that “my body feels vaguely sluggish” or “I can’t shake off my fatigue.”
One of the factors thought to be behind this is the strain that air conditioning puts on the body.
With summer temperatures rising in recent years, air conditioning has become indispensable. At the same time, the large temperature gap between the heat outdoors and air-conditioned rooms can place a real burden on the body.
Our bodies regulate temperature through the autonomic nervous system.
However, in situations such as
• Spending long hours in air-conditioned rooms
• Going back and forth between places with a big temperature difference from outside
• Living a lifestyle centered on desk work
the autonomic nervous system has to work frequently, which can lead to fatigue.
In addition, when the balance of the autonomic nervous system is disrupted,
• Breathing becomes shallow
• The body tenses up more easily
• Stiffness in the neck and shoulders becomes easier to feel
• Sleep quality declines
and similar changes may be seen.
Furthermore, when the body gets chilled by air conditioning, the muscles tend to tense up, so many people feel discomfort and heaviness around the neck and shoulders.
In fact, during the summer we often hear comments such as
“My neck and shoulders feel worse than usual.”
“It’s summer, but I can’t shake off my fatigue.”
from our guests.
These symptoms may be related not only to the heat itself but also to the effects of air-conditioned environments.
Using air conditioning is important for preventing heatstroke, but it is also important to avoid getting too chilled and to make time to warm the body through moderate exercise, baths and so on.
As summer arrives in full, why not pay attention not only to beating the heat but also to how you live with air conditioning, and take care of your mind and body?