Sleeping with a fan can have both benefits and drawbacks. While the circulating air helps keep you cool and the soft noise may aid in falling asleep, it can also lead to dryness in your mouth, skin, and eyes.
Do you sleep with a fan on? Many people enjoy the cool breeze and soothing hum that make it easier to fall asleep, but there are some potential downsides to consider.
Although fans aren’t typically harmful, they can cause mild discomfort for some people.
Read on to discover the pros and cons of sleeping with a fan.
What are the potential downsides of sleeping with a fan on?
Here are some possible disadvantages of using a fan at night:
Congestion
The airflow from the fan can dry out your mouth, nose, and throat, which might lead to excess mucus production. This could cause headaches, a stuffy nose, sore throat, or even snoring. While a fan doesn’t make you sick, it can worsen symptoms if you’re already unwell. Staying hydrated and using a humidifier with the fan may help alleviate congestion.
Allergies
Fans can stir up dust and pollen, potentially triggering allergies in sensitive individuals. The fan blades themselves may collect dust, adding to the problem. Breathing in these allergens can result in a runny nose, itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes, or breathing issues.
Dry eyes and skin
The breeze from a fan can dry out your eyes and skin. To combat this, consider moisturizing your skin and using soothing eye drops.
Muscle aches
Direct airflow from the fan can cause muscle tension or cramps, leaving you with sore muscles when you wake up. To minimize this, try pointing the fan away from you so the air doesn’t blow directly on your body.
What are the potential benefits of sleeping with a fan on?
There are also several advantages to sleeping with a fan:
Cooling effects
A fan helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable during the night. Excessive heat can disrupt sleep and cause sweating, leading to a loss of important minerals your body needs.
White noise
Many people find the sound of a fan calming. The consistent hum acts as white noise, which can help promote sleep. A study involving 40 newborns found that 80% fell asleep within five minutes when exposed to white noise, compared to just 25% in the control group.
Air circulation
Fans help circulate air in the room, reducing stuffiness and eliminating unpleasant odors, making your bedroom more comfortable.
SIDS prevention
Some studies suggest that using a fan during sleep may lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies. A 2008 study published in the Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine found that fan use was linked to a 72% reduction in SIDS risk.
