Are you one of those people who can't sleep in the summertime without a fan blowing in the bedroom? Personally, I like to sleep with a fan so my room doesn't get super stuffy at night. Yet, I was today years old when I discovered that it's probably not the best idea to leave a fan blowing on your body all night long.
Why? Well, other than being a fire hazard, it turns out it can cause dry skin and eyes and even worsen allergies, among other negative side effects. Keep reading to learn the truth about sleeping with your fan on at night.
Fans Are A Great Way To Help You Cool Down
A portable fan doesn't blow cool air as AC does, but fans can help you keep cool in the summer heat by providing some airflow.
Sometimes serious heat needs serious fans, or maybe you just need some circulation in a particularly stuffy room.
However, They Can Be Hazardous
As a fan lover and connoisseur myself, I usually have at least two fans blowing in my room at all times—especially in the summer.
But here are a couple of reasons why fans can pose a hazard to your body.
It Can Worsen Allergies
According to Sleep Advisor, sleeping with a fan on can make your allergies worse.
"As a fan moves air around the room, it causes flurries of dust and pollen to make their way into your sinuses. If you're prone to allergies, asthma, and hay fever, this could stir up a whole lot of trouble," Sleep Advisor explained.
It Can Blow Dust All Over The Place
If your fan is dirty or dusty, you should definitely consider cleaning that bad boy.
Sleep Advisor recommends that you take a close look at your fan every once in a while. If it's been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on.
Dry Skin And Eyes
Another downside to sleeping with a fan is it can cause dry air, which can lead to issues with your skin, eyes, and mouth. A constant blast of air on your body may cause your skin to dry out over time.
Maybe all this time my fan has been the culprit of my chronically dry skin...
Eye Irritation
Additionally, Sleep Advisor explains that another thing to think about is that some people sleep with their eyes partially open. I'll never forget when I was a kid and I looked over at my friend who seemingly slept with her eyes only HALF-CLOSED.
A fan could dry your eyes overnight and may cause major irritation.
Dry Mouths And Throats
Some people also sleep with their mouth open, which could potentially lead to dry mouth and throat.
So, if you find that you're constantly waking up parched in the middle of the night, maybe it's time to reconsider your fan habits.
Sometimes They're Just Permanently Dirty
Lastly, sometimes your fan is just too far gone and may be too difficult to clean.
If your device gets an excess buildup of pollen and particles that are impossible to remove, it may be time to get a new one.
A Fire Hazard
Also, not to scare anyone, but according to Bustle, there's always a small possibility with any electrical device that it can get too hot and catch fire.
This is especially dangerous when you're asleep as your reaction time may be delayed. Also, we are more susceptible to smoke inhalation whilst unconscious.
There Are Other Methods To Keep Cool
There are lots of other methods to keep cool during the summer (other than AC) if you have now decided to reconsider blasting your fan at night like I have.
For example, you could fill a hot water bottle and put it in the freezer for a while, then keep it close to (but separated with a sheet from) your body as you sleep, or you could line your bed with a large cooling mat.
Researchers Recommend A Relaxing Shower Or Bath
It's no secret that relaxing before bedtime will help you fall asleep faster. However, several studies indicate that showers and baths, specifically, improve sleep quality. In 2019, researchers at The University of Texas at Austin discovered that taking a hot bath 90 minutes before bedtime helped people fall asleep faster and have a better quality of sleep.
Alternatively, researchers in 2008 added that soaking your feet in a foot bath for 40 minutes before bed increases REM sleep. If you don't want to fall asleep with wet hair, consider employing a foot bath, hairdryer, or early evening shower.