When the temperature's reaching with the triple digits outside, you're probably blasting your fan to keep yourself cool during those hot, muggy nights. But what if it's bad to sleep with a fan? In this blog, we dive into the pros and cons of snoozing with a fan on, as well as some solutions to keep yourself cool and healthy while you sleep.
Pros for Sleeping with a Fan On
Maintains Comfortable Temperature
Warm rooms are a sure way to keep you up at night, which can lead to fatigue and a lack of concentration the following day. And if you're a hot sleeper, expect night sweats when the temperature is rising.
Fans provide a blast of air to help cool down your bedroom while you're underneath your comforter. If you sweat at night, the breeze can help dry away excess moisture, setting you up for a cool, comfortable sleep. (Also consider upgrading to the SHEEX All Season Comforter for a lightweight option during hot summer nights).
Air Circulation
A closed-off room often feels stuffy since there's no air movement. Also, the air can get stale and stenchy. Constant air circulation boosts your bedroom's freshness and combats odors, leading to a more comfortable sleep environment.
White Noise
Fans produce a sound that's similar to white noise. White noise consists of a wide range of frequencies resonating together, which can help people fall asleep. If you live in a big, bustling city, consider getting a fan since it can drown out everything from car horns to noisy neighbors.
Cuts Down on the Electric Bill
Running your air conditioner during summer isn't cheap, and it certainly shows on the electric bill. However, a fan can alleviate these expenses. The U.S. Department of Energy states that if you run an air conditioning unit and a fan simultaneously, you can raise your thermostat by four degrees without a change in comfort.
Cons for Sleeping with a Fan On
Provokes Allergies
If you're susceptible to allergies, sleeping with a fan on may trigger an allergic reaction while you're sleeping in your bed. Fans don't just circulate air, but also dust, spores, pollen, and other allergens in the room. As a result, you may experience excessive sneezing, itchy throat, runny nose, and other symptoms that can cause sleep disruptions.
Dry Air
The excess airflow makes the room's air dry. This dry air can cause numerous effects on your body. For one, it can dry out your throat and nose. This excessive dryness builds up mucus, which can lead to headaches, sinusitis, and a stuffy nose. Also, the constant airflow may cause dry skin and irritation. Applying lotion or moisturizer might ease the problem, but it may not help people with excessively dry skin.
Muscle Aches
If you have a constant breeze blowing directly at you, you may wake up with stiff or sore muscles. Why? Concentrated cool air can make your muscles tense up and cramp. If you have pre-existing muscle pain, you may want to consider turning off the fan before laying your head on your pillow. Shop our Performance Cooling Pillows to find the ideal pillow for however you sleep.
Solutions and Other Ways to Sleep Cooler
If you insist on sleeping with a fan despite the downsides, there are solutions to minimize health effects and other ways to help you sleep cooler:
- Clean Your Fan — Fan blades are a magnet for dust, pollen, and other allergens. Regularly clean your fan blades to reduce the chances of allergens being blown directly at you.
- Set a Timer and Adjust the Speed — Most fans come with a timer, so set it to where it shuts off an hour or two after bedtime. That way, the air won't become excessively dry. If you're using a ceiling fan, keep it at a moderate speed.
- Use a Humidifier — Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which helps combat the dry air produced from the excessive airflow
- Get a Cooling Mattress — Traditional memory foam mattresses are known to trap body heat, making you hot and sweaty. If you have one, consider replacing it with a mattress from our revolutionary SHEEX® AirStream Cooling Mattress line, made with highly technical performance materials guaranteed to give you a more restful, restorative night's sleep.
- Buy SHEEX Performance Bedding — Take your sleep to the next level with SHEEX Performance Bedding. Utilizing SLEEP•TECH® fabrics, our bedding provides unparalleled cooling comfort, innovative breathability, and moisture-wicking technology to ensure you stay cool, dry, and comfortable throughout the night.
Fans are a great, cost-effective way to stay cool during those warm summer nights. But if the excessive airflow can result in allergies, dry skin, congestion, or muscle aches in some sleepers. If you're vulnerable to these issues, consider using a humidifier and clean your fan blades regularly to reduce symptoms.
