Sleeping with a fan on is something many people do when it’s warm outside — but experts are now warning against it. Here’s why.
It’s finally May and spring is officially here, with summer just around the corner. That means birds chirping, flowers starting to bloom — and, of course, warmer weather.
But while many people enjoy the sunshine and heat, it can create challenges when it comes to sleep. According to experts, the ideal bedroom temperature for quality sleep is between 60 and 67°F. When temperatures rise, however, maintaining that range isn’t always easy — especially for those without air conditioning.
To cool down, many people rely on sleeping with a fan. But experts now warn it may do more harm than good. While a fan circulates air in the room, it can also spread dust and pollen particles.
Keeping a fan on while sleeping
If your fan has been in use for several years — and especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma — it may worsen symptoms, as dust can accumulate over time.
Dr. Kiran Dintyala told The Sleep Advisor that sleeping with a fan may lead to side effects such as bronchitis or sinusitis, as well as a sore throat for those who sleep with their mouth open. He added: “You may experience some muscle aches if you’re exposed to cold air all night,” since it can cause muscles and joints to feel stiff.
Sleep expert Martin Seeley, CEO of Mattress Next Day, also explained why you may want to avoid keeping a fan on while sleeping.
“If you find that you are suffering from excessive sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, itchy throats and even breathing difficulties, make sure that there is no dust on the blades of your electric fan,” he said, according to UNILAD.
Side effects
He added that a stuffy nose or headaches may be caused by dry air from the fan, and that you should drink plenty of water after waking up to help ease symptoms.
“This is also recommended for those that have suffered from a poor night’s sleep due to the heat, as even mild dehydration can cause you to feel even more drowsy and tired.”
If you still prefer to use a fan while sleeping this summer, experts recommend making sure it’s clean and considering using a humidifier as well.
