Across the country, many people are struggling to sleep due to the current heatwave with UK homes, typically designed to retain heat, making many of us become uncomfortably hot during the night. And whilst using an electric fan overnight might appear to be a solution, experts advise against it because of the associated health risks.
Martin Sealy, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, recommends not using fans at night as they can be more detrimental than beneficial. He also offers alternative methods for better sleep in the heat that does not lead to higher energy costs.
Why shouldn’t I use electric fans at night?
It can trigger allergens and asthma
When you turn on an electric fan, it moves air throughout the room. However, many people don’t know it can also spread dust mites, spores, pollen and other allergens. Excessive sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, or breathing difficulties may be signs to check your fan blades for dust accumulation..
If you can afford to do so, try investing in a high-quality fan with air-purifying features to reduce pollen and dust mites can be beneficial. Otherwise, regularly deep cleaning your bedroom might reduce allergy symptoms.
Extended use of an electric fan can lead to congestion
Leaving an electric fan running all day may lead to drier air from the constant airflow. This can gradually dehydrate your nose and throat, prompting your body to produce more mucus for hydration. The side effects can include headaches, nasal congestion, and sinus pain. To counteract this, it’s advised to drink at least two litres of water during the day.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to maintain hydration by consuming at least two litres of water each day. This becomes even more important after a restless night’s sleep due to heat, as slight dehydration can intensify sensations of sleepiness and lethargy.
Dry air can lead to eye irritation
Dry air can also cause dry eyes, leading to irritation. This is particularly important for contact lens wearers, who are more prone to dryness and irritation.
It can cause a stiff neck or sore muscles
If you suffer from pre-existing muscle pains, possibly due to exercise or incorrect posture while working at a desk, it’s advisable to avoid pointing an electric fan at these areas during the night. The reason is that the focused cool air can cause muscles to become tense and cramp, leading to increased pain.
If you’ve developed a stiff neck after using an electric fan, consider not using it for several nights to see if there’s an improvement. A rotating electric heater might better distribute air, possibly reducing this problem. Extended exposure to a fan could lead to a stiff neck or sore muscles.
How to keep cool at night
Instead of running the electric fan all night long, Martin has suggested some more cost-effective ways to beat the heat.
These include:
- Freezing your pillowcase before bedtime
- Run your wrists under cold water when brushing your teeth
- Keep your bedroom curtains shut all day
- Drink at least two litres of water throughout the day
- Switch to a lighter coloured duvet
- Move your bed against the longest wall in the room