Should I sleep with the fan on or off? These are the risks experts warn against
It's summer, the weather is hot, and nights can be difficult for those who can't sleep when the temperature rises. For this reason, many people choose to install a ceiling fan in their bedroom or place a floor fan in the corner of the room to cool the room down a bit.
What do experts say about this? Is sleeping with a fan running all night beneficial or harmful? Generally speaking, the medical community doesn't believe there are any significant health risks, but it advises against leaving the fan on continuously.
- What are the negative effects that can be caused by sleeping with a fan on?
- The air coming from the fan moves dust around the room, which is not recommended if you suffer from allergies.
The constant airflow from a fan while sleeping dries out the skin and nasal passages. This can lead to mucus production to compensate for the dryness and congestion-related headaches.
- Muscle stiffness can be caused by constant muscle tension. This risk is increased if a person sleeps with a fan on their face.
- Fan air can cause eye irritation and dry throat if a person sleeps with their eyes or mouth partially open.
Sleeping next to a fan may cause some respiratory disorders, such as asthma and sinusitis.
How to reduce the negative effects of the fan
It is a good idea to clean the dust from the fan, the exterior, and the blades, as well as keep the room clean to reduce the amount of dust moving around the room.
The fan speed and the distance it occupies determine the degree of impact on your health: setting it on a low setting and at a certain distance (at least 1 meter) can prevent negative effects such as nasal congestion, headaches, muscle pain, or dry eyes.
Room air filters can reduce the spread of dust mites, germs, and other allergens. Using one may be beneficial for people prone to allergies.
Choosing a rotating fan may be a good option to avoid constant airflow in one direction. Furthermore, if the air is distributed evenly, it keeps the entire room cool.