Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (2024)

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Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (1)Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (2)

Has anyone else noticed that it's a little... warm right now? Like, really warm? And for many, this deep humidity can have a major impact on sleep – after all, having a bedroom that's part-snooze station and part-sauna can be pretty uncomfortable. The obvious solution for sleeping in the heat? A fan! Right? Erm, unfortunately (and we hate to be the ones to break this to you) some experts are actually warning against sleeping with a fan on.

According to Sleep Advisor, sleeping with a fan on might not always be a great idea for health-related reasons, as although having a fan on will circulate air to make your room cooler and fresher, it can also circulate pollen and dust. Which isn't ideal if you suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever (which has also ramped up for many at this time of year).

"Take a close look at your fan," the Sleep Advisor suggests. "If it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on."

Other reasons not to sleep with a fan on include the fact that it can dry out your skin, as well as your nasal passages, and if your nasal passages become too dry, Sleep Advisor warns that the body can produce excess mucous, making you feel all bunged up come morning time. Not ideal...

Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (3)Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (4)

And then there's muscle cramping. "People who sleep with a breeze directly on them may wake up with stiff or sore muscles. This is because the concentrated cool air can make muscles tense up and cramp," the experts explain. "This problem is especially common for people who sleep with it near their face and neck. If you’ve been waking up with a stiff neck in the morning, it might be because of the constant breeze."

On the flip-side, the article does point out that fans in the bedroom can work well for people as provide comforting white noise to help people drift off to sleep when it's stuffy.

But if you're prone to allergies, it could be worth trying other options like a cool flannel in a bowl of water near your bed, or sleeping on top of the covers with the window open. Happy sweating either way, folks!

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Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea (2024)

FAQs

Why sleeping with a fan on can actually be quite a bad idea? ›

Circulating air from a fan can dry out your mouth, nose, and throat. This could lead to an overproduction of mucus, which may cause headaches, a stuffy nose, sore throat, or even snoring.

Why is sleeping with a fan bad for you? ›

Consider the Potential Downsides: Sleeping with a fan on can have some downsides, including the potential to trigger allergies, cause congestion, dry out your eyes and skin, and aggravate muscle aches. The noise from the fan might also be either soothing or disruptive, depending on your preference.

Why should you not have a fan in the bedroom? ›

Other reasons not to sleep with a fan on include the fact that it can dry out your skin, as well as your nasal passages, and if your nasal passages become too dry, Sleep Advisor warns that the body can produce excess mucous, making you feel all bunged up come morning time. Not ideal... And then there's muscle cramping.

What happens if you sleep under a fan? ›

It can dry out the air: In some cases, the movement of the air around the room may cause some dryness to your skin, eyes and mouth, says Dr. Wu. That could explain why you experience a sore throat, stuffy nose or cough when you use one.

Why should you not leave a fan on all night? ›

However, experts are advising against leaving the fan on overnight. Apparently it can increase asthma symptoms, and trigger allergens. Fans circulate air, but they also spread dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens around the room.

Is sleeping naked healthy? ›

Sleeping nude can help your core temperature cool faster and lead to better sleep. Sleeping naked may improve health, partner intimacy, anxiety, and self-esteem. When sleeping naked, make sure your bedding is comfortable, the room temperature is optimal, and you prioritize personal hygiene before bed.

Does having a fan on dehydrate you? ›

But in humid conditions, fans improved comfort—and even slightly lowered heart rate and temperature—on average, despite a sky-high heat index of 56 degrees C (132.8 degrees F) and a temperature of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Fan use increased the risk of dehydration in both scenarios, though.

Is it OK to sleep with a fan on every night? ›

Sleeping with a fan on can have plenty of side effects, from the potential to exacerbate allergies and dry out your skin and eyes to the possibility of causing muscle stiffness and sleep disruptions due to noise. It's important to weigh these factors against your personal needs and sleep preferences.

Is it OK to sleep with a fan on all night? ›

Sleeping with a fan on is fairly harmless for most people, but some may find it uncomfortable. This is especially true for people with sensitive airways. View Source and those who prefer a totally quiet sleep environment.

Can fans cause joint pain? ›

Well this is the same affect on your muscles they constrict and tighten . This lower air pressure, causes the soft tissue around your joints to expand in response, and it infringes on the joints, which can cause pain that radiates into the muscles making them more prone to cramps and spasms and generate more pain.

Is it bad to sleep with wet hair? ›

Sleeping with wet hair can lead to increased friction against the pillow, causing breakage and weakening of the hair shaft. Moreover, a moist scalp can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, potentially leading to scalp issues.”

Is sleeping with white noise bad? ›

The authors call into question the quality of existing evidence and conclude that further research is necessary in order to widely recommend white noise as a sleep aid. They also note that in some instances, white noise can disturb a person's sleep and may affect their hearing.

Is AC better than fan? ›

The two main ways to cool your home are by air conditioning and a ceiling fan. The main differences are — air conditioning cools down air in a room and a ceiling fan pushes air around a room. While both make a difference, ceiling fans never achieve the icy coolness you'll get with a quality air conditioning system.

Is it bad to have a fan on 24 7? ›

A fan's housing will get warm after prolonged use due to the fan's motor generating heat when converting electricity into movement. This heat is why many people think it is unsafe to leave fans running; however, it is normal and will dissipate from the fan's housing and not exceed a safe limit.

Can a fan give you a stiff neck? ›

This is because the concentrated cool air can make your muscles tense and cramp up, causing you even more pain. You may even notice that you've gained a stiff neck since using an electric fan, so refrain from using it for a few nights to see if you spot a difference.

How many people sleep with a fan? ›

Among people who use noise to sleep, 40.4% prefer music as their top choice, 40.1% like nature sounds, and 38.1% use white noise from an app or machine. Others depend on a fan or air conditioner (34.3%), and a third of folks (33.3%) fall asleep to TV sounds.

Is sleeping in a cold room bad for your lungs? ›

Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, chest infections and breathing problems. “Try to keep indoor temperatures to at least 18c if you can, we have included information about help available with heating costs in the tips below.

Are fans bad for your ears? ›

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, warns that without proper protection, exposure to 85 decibels for more than eight hours could lead to permanent hearing loss. Each time the noise level increases by three decibels, the recommended exposure time is cut in half.

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