Sleeping with a fan has its pros and cons. While the circulating air can keep you cool and the gentle hum may aid in falling asleep, it can also dry out your mouth, skin, and eyes.
Do you use a fan at night? Many find that the cool breeze and soft noise help them drift off, but there are some potential drawbacks.
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Fans aren’t generally harmful overnight, but for some, they can cause mildly irritating symptoms.
Read on to explore the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping with a fan on.
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What are the potential downsides of sleeping with a fan on?
Some drawbacks to using a fan at night include:
Congestion
The circulating air from a fan can dry out your mouth, nose, and throat, potentially leading to excess mucus production.
This may result in headaches, a stuffy nose, sore throat, or even snoring.
While a fan won’t make you sick, it can exacerbate symptoms if you’re already feeling unwell.
Staying hydrated and using a humidifier alongside the fan may help alleviate congestion.
Allergies
Fans can circulate dust and pollen, which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
The fan blades themselves can also accumulate dust, adding to the problem.
Inhaling these allergens can lead to symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes, or breathing difficulties.
Dry eyes and skin
The airflow from a fan can dry out your skin and eyes. To mitigate these effects, consider moisturizing your skin and using soothing eye drops.
Muscle aches
Direct airflow from a fan can cause muscle tension or cramps, potentially leading to sore muscles upon waking.
To reduce the risk of this discomfort, try directing the fan away from you so that the air doesn’t blow directly on your body.
What are the potential benefits of sleeping with a fan on?
The airflow from a fan while you sleep can provide several advantages:
Cooling effects
One of the most obvious benefits of a fan is its ability to keep you cool and comfortable during the night.
Excessive heat can disrupt sleep and cause sweating, which may lead to a loss of essential minerals your body needs.
White noise
Many people find the sound of a fan soothing.
This consistent hum acts like white noise, which can help facilitate sleep.
In one study involving 40 newborns, researchers discovered that 80% fell asleep within five minutes when exposed to white noise, compared to just 25% in the control group.
Air circulation
Fans can help circulate stale air and freshen up a room, reducing stuffiness and minimizing unpleasant odors, making your bedroom more inviting.
SIDS prevention
Some studies suggest that using a fan at night may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies.
A 2008 article in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine found that fan use during sleep was associated with a 72% reduction in SIDS risk.
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