Doctor warns over hidden impact sleeping with a fan on all night has during heatwave
The UK is expecting a heatwave this week which means pub gardens, ice lollies and summer tans in April. What's not to like?
Well, while the sun while no doubt feels delightful during the day, dealing with the heat when you're trying to sleep is a lot less fun.
And a doctor has warned against switching on the fan during the ongoing bout of blistering heat, suggesting that those with allergies might wake up significantly worse for wear.
Speaking to LADbible, Dr. Naheed Ali, MD, PhD health expert, physician, and senior contributor at Vera Clinic has shared exactly why you should avoid keeping it on all night.
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He said: “Running a bedroom fan all night can create hidden stress on the body. The fan cools the skin by speeding up evaporation, and that steady airflow can leave the nasal passages and throat uncomfortably dry by morning.
"A dry airway produces thicker mucus, which can trap allergens and irritants close to sensitive tissue. Over time, this may trigger coughing, a scratchy voice, or clogged sinuses that linger through the day.
“Continuous airflow also stirs up dust from bedding and flooring. Tiny particles of lint, dander, and pollen stay in motion and may reach deeper into the airways while you sleep. People with asthma or mild allergies often wake with extra chest tightness or sneezing after a night with the fan on.
“Cool air against muscles and joints for seven or eight hours can cause a subtle drop in tissue temperature. Stiff necks and aching shoulders on waking are common signs.
"The chilled muscles tighten as a natural defence, and that tension may persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores normal blood flow.”
For those of you who find it simply impossible to survive without one, then fear not, there are solutions to make sure you're not sneezing non-stop when you wake up in the morning.
Dr Ali added: “If a fan is the only way to keep the room comfortable, place it on a timer that shuts off after the first sleep cycle of ninety minutes. Direct the airflow toward an opposite wall rather than straight at the bed, and keep a glass of water at the bedside to sip if the mouth feels dry.
"Replacing bedroom filters and washing sheets weekly will reduce airborne dust. These small adjustments let the fan cool the room without increasing discomfort in the airways or joints during the full night.”
So, for those of you who do struggle to stay cool in a heatwave, maybe think about trying some of our own tips, before deciding to try the fan.
James Moorhouse