During the scorching summer days, nighttime temperatures can remain high, making it difficult for people to fall asleep. Consequently, many individuals opt for using an electric fan to cool down. However, experts warn that sleeping with the fan on at night may pose 4 health risks, outweighing the benefits for one’s well-being.
According to a report from the UK’s “Daily Express,” while electric fans can help people stay cool in their bedrooms, they could also lead to symptoms such as muscle pain, dry throat, breathing difficulties, muscle soreness, nasal congestion, and eye discomfort.
Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at the UK bedding retailer “MattressNextDay,” urges individuals to turn off the electric fan before going to bed to avoid triggering allergens and asthma.
He explained that electric fans circulate air in the room, which may contain dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens.
“So, if you find yourself sneezing, tearing, having a runny nose, itchy throat, or experiencing breathing difficulties, make sure there is no dust on the fan blades,” he said.
Seemingly innocuous, running an electric fan for several hours in the same room can lead to dryness in your nose and throat, prompting your body to produce more mucus to retain moisture and resulting in side effects such as headaches, nasal congestion, and even sinus headaches.
To alleviate these symptoms, he recommends drinking plenty of water. This can also aid those who struggle to sleep due to high temperatures at night, as mild dehydration can make a person feel more sluggish and fatigued.
The third health risk he mentioned is eye discomfort. Allowing the electric fan to run all night can cause dryness and irritation in the eyes. Lastly, the fourth health risk is stiff neck or muscle soreness.
If you have had preexisting muscle pain possibly from exercise or improper posture while working at a desk, he suggests avoiding directing the fan towards that area throughout the night. Concentrated cold air can cause muscles to tense up, spasm, and increase discomfort.
Furthermore, continuous use of the fan may lead to a stiff neck. Therefore, consider refraining from using the fan for several nights to observe any improvements.
Some electric fans have a timer function that automatically stops operation at a set time, preventing continuous operation throughout the night. If the room temperature is too high, placing a bowl of ice in front of the fan can help circulate cool air in the room.
Additionally, there are other cooling methods one can adopt to aid in sleep, such as adopting specific sleeping positions, applying a chilled towel before bedtime, sleeping downstairs, or chilling sheets and pillowcases beforehand.
Previously, Dr. Wu Guobin, Chief Physician at Taiwan Heart Medicine Clinic, had advised against 9 things to avoid when sleeping, including “no sleeping in a draft.” Sleeping with an electric fan blowing directly on the body or leaving windows wide open while sleeping could be detrimental to health, potentially leading to illnesses.
He mentioned two cases, one where a patient slept through a summer night with the fan blowing from feet to head, and another who slept with the window open on a cold winter night, resulting in facial paralysis upon waking up.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of covering the lower legs while sleeping. Exposing the legs to the wind while sleeping could lead to poor circulation, resulting in leg numbness, weakness, rheumatic joint pain, and other conditions. Even in hot weather, it is advisable to cover the lower legs with a thin blanket.