Will Sleeping in a Car Without Opening the Window Cause Oxygen Deprivation?
3 Answers
Sleeping in a car without opening the window can lead to oxygen deprivation. Here are the relevant details: 1. Difficulty in air convection: When the car is stationary, it becomes difficult for air to circulate between the inside and outside of the vehicle. The carbon monoxide emitted by the engine during prolonged operation may gradually accumulate inside the car. Additionally, the oxygen in the car decreases as the occupants breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Over time, occupants may unknowingly suffer from poisoning and lose consciousness, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. 2. Ventilation by opening windows: If you want to maintain air circulation, opening the windows for ventilation is the most effective solution. Even leaving a small gap can facilitate air flow.
Last time I felt tired while driving, I just closed the windows and took a nap in the car. When I woke up, I felt dizzy and nauseous. Later, I learned it was because the air in the car wasn’t circulating. The carbon dioxide we exhale accumulates quickly, displacing oxygen. The confined space of a car, unlike the outdoors where wind can replenish fresh air, makes it prone to oxygen deprivation over time. It’s even worse in the summer heat—closing the windows makes it unbearably stuffy. I remember once during a camping trip, a friend of mine passed out after sleeping with the windows closed and had to be hospitalized to regain consciousness. So now I’ve developed a habit: even for a short nap, I crack a window or turn on the air conditioning’s external circulation to keep the air flowing, which is much safer. Never take this lightly—it’s a matter of life and safety. You might get by in the short term, but making it a long-term habit is a bad idea.
As a parent with children at home, I am particularly vigilant about safety issues in the car. It's absolutely unacceptable to keep the windows closed when a child is sleeping, as it can lead to oxygen deprivation. Children have weaker immune systems, and a lack of oxygen can easily cause difficulty breathing and a bluish complexion. I once neglected this and fell asleep while waiting for my child in the car. Fortunately, I woke up feeling dizzy. A car is a sealed metal box without the natural ventilation gaps found in houses. Exhaled carbon dioxide quickly accumulates, and oxygen levels drop rapidly. I've researched and found that staying in such conditions for more than half an hour poses risks. I recommend always leaving a window slightly open for ventilation or avoiding sleeping in the car altogether. Safety comes first, especially when elderly or children are present.
