Can You Suffer from Oxygen Deprivation When Sleeping in a Car?
2 Answers
Sleeping in a car can lead to oxygen deprivation. Below are the specific reasons and precautions: Reasons why you should not sleep in a car: When a car is stationary, it is difficult for air to circulate between the inside and outside of the vehicle. The carbon monoxide emitted by the engine during prolonged operation gradually accumulates inside the car. Additionally, the oxygen in the car is consumed by the breathing of the occupants, who exhale carbon dioxide. Over time, the oxygen level inside the car decreases, and the occupants may unknowingly suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning, leading to unconsciousness or even death in severe cases. Precautions: If the engine is left idling and the windows are closed while sleeping in the car, this behavior is highly inadvisable and poses a life-threatening risk to the occupants. This is because when the engine is idling, the fuel does not burn completely, causing carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the car. Once the concentration reaches a certain level, it can lead to poisoning. If you must sleep in the car, it is best to open the windows slightly to allow air circulation.
Sleeping in the car does pose risks. I once tried taking a nap during a long trip and woke up feeling dizzy and weak. The car is an enclosed space with poor air circulation, especially when all windows and doors are closed. Oxygen levels decrease while carbon dioxide increases, potentially leading to hypoxia over time, making it hard to breathe. Even more dangerous is leaving the engine running, as exhaust fumes can easily enter the car, raising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning—it's colorless and odorless, causing harm without warning. I strongly advise against sleeping in garages or confined spaces. If you must rest, at least crack a window for ventilation or choose open areas like service station parking lots. If you're really tired, it's best to get out, walk around, and stretch to stay safe.
