Gaby
Rising temperatures have made hot nights more common, and that means lots of people are turning back to an old standby: the fan. Fans are easy to use and usually cheaper than air conditioners. But they can carry hidden risks.
Dr. Nahid Ali, a senior medical researcher at Vera Clinic in Turkey, says running a fan in the bedroom all night creates ‘hidden stress for the body’ and can pose health risks.
Dryness in the Nose and Throat
Dr. Ali says using a fan all night dries out the nasal passages and the throat. That’s why people often wake up with nasal congestion and a sore or irritated throat.
‘Dry airways produce thicker mucus, which traps allergens and irritants near sensitive tissues. Over time, this can lead to coughing, hoarseness, or blocked sinuses,’ Dr. Ali explained.
Infections and Allergens
He acknowledges that a fan can make it easier to sleep on a hot night by cooling the skin and speeding up evaporation. However, constant airflow stirs up dust from the bed and floor, and tiny particles of lint, skin flakes, and pollen can float around and penetrate deep into the airways while we sleep. For people with asthma or allergies, these particles can trigger sneezing fits, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Joint Pain
According to Dr. Ali, prolonged exposure to cold air can cause people to wake up with pain in the neck and shoulders.
‘Chilled muscles tense up (this is the body’s natural defense), and this tension can persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores normal blood flow,’ the expert noted.
What If You Can’t Live Without a Fan?
If a fan is the only way to sleep comfortably on a hot night, Dr. Ali recommends using a timer. Set it for the first 90-minute sleep cycle so it turns off after you fall asleep.
He also advises directing the fan’s airflow away from the bed and toward an opposite wall. Keep a glass of water on the nightstand to moisten your mouth if needed.
Clean floors more often and wash bed linens weekly to reduce lint, skin flakes, and pollen.
Meanwhile, for people who don’t use fans, there are several tips to help ensure a good night’s sleep on a hot night.
Keep Skincare Products in the Fridge
Keep creams, serums, and face masks in the refrigerator; the cooling effect makes your nightly skincare routine more pleasant.
Use a Water Spray
Mist your face, neck, and wrists with cold water from a spray bottle to lower your body temperature without a fan or air conditioner.
Lightly dampen duvet covers, mattresses, and pillows to keep them cooler.
