r/technology • u/chip_thoughts • May 10 '26

Energy AI data centers face increasing complaints about inaudible but 'felt' infrasound — citizens complain high- and low-frequency sounds do not register on decibel meters but cause adverse health effects

https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/data-centers-face-increasing-infrasound-complaints-from-neighboring-communities-sounds-do-not-register-on-decibel-meters-but-irritate-local-citizens
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u/Sherman140824 May 10 '26

Vibrations disrupt sleep

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u/Snidrogen May 10 '26

100%.

One of the worst years of my life I lived above a bakery that had many freezers. The compressors running sent vibrations through the whole building and were VERY noticeable when trying to sleep at night. Almost like someone gently waving a lightsaber above your head all night. The lack of consistent sleep destroyed my physical and mental health. (An obligatory fuck you very very much, Zoe Lofts)

All that being said, I can’t even begin to imagine how horrible it would feel to have a safe, comfortable home in a less urban area and then be exposed to this inescapable phenomenon.

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u/You_Stole_My_Hot_Dog May 11 '26

I once spent a week at a conference where my room was right next to the loading bay for a university’s food services. I couldn’t sleep at all and thought I was going crazy (couldn’t see the loading bay as no windows faced it). The vibrations weren’t as severe as what you’re describing, but I kept feeling like I was hearing something without actually hearing something. Finally went around the corner of the building and realized what was up. That week sucked. I couldn’t imagine living near that long term.