Sleeping under a Peepal tree at night can lead to discomfort and difficulty breathing due to the natural processes of tree respiration.
At night, trees, including the Peepal (scientific name: Ficus religiosa), cease photosynthesis because there is no sunlight. Photosynthesis is the process by which trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Instead, like all living organisms, trees respire, which means they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
As a result, there is a higher concentration of carbon dioxide around the trees at night. Conversely, the levels of oxygen in the surrounding air become lower. Upon sleeping under the tree at night, people felt suffocated and found it hard to breathe given the lower levels of oxygen and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the surrounding. This phenomenon is a natural part of a tree's life cycle.
The Science Behind Nighttime Air Composition
During the day, Peepal trees, known for their large canopy, are highly efficient at photosynthesis, producing a significant amount of oxygen. This makes them beneficial for air quality in daylight hours. However, this beneficial gas exchange reverses after sunset:
- Photosynthesis: Occurs during the day, consuming carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releasing oxygen (O₂).
- Respiration: Occurs 24/7, but its effect on ambient air is more noticeable at night when photosynthesis stops. Respiration consumes oxygen (O₂) and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂).
For a large tree like the Peepal, the volume of gases exchanged during respiration can noticeably alter the immediate atmospheric composition in its vicinity, especially in still air conditions.
Symptoms and Practical Considerations
If someone were to sleep for an extended period directly under a large tree like a Peepal tree at night, they might experience:
- Difficulty breathing: The primary concern due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Feeling of suffocation: A direct consequence of the imbalance in air gases.
- Restless sleep: Discomfort can lead to poor sleep quality.
- Headaches: Elevated carbon dioxide levels can sometimes induce headaches.
This effect is not unique to Peepal trees but is more pronounced with large, dense vegetation. While Peepal trees are revered and offer many environmental benefits during the day, it is generally advisable to avoid prolonged sleep directly underneath them at night.
Day vs. Night Gas Exchange
To better understand the difference, here's a summary of the gas exchange processes:
| Time of Day | Primary Tree Process | Gas Absorbed | Gas Released | Impact on Surrounding Air (Immediate Area) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Photosynthesis | Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Oxygen (O₂) | Increased Oxygen, Decreased CO₂ |
| Night | Respiration | Oxygen (O₂) | Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Decreased Oxygen, Increased CO₂ |
For more detailed information on tree respiration and photosynthesis, you can refer to resources from botanical experts and environmental organizations, such as Trees for Life on Photosynthesis and Respiration in Trees or learn more about the Ficus religiosa from sources like the Singapore National Parks Board.
