SLEEPING WITH A FAN
As UK households face increasingly hot nights—and with only about 5% equipped with air conditioning—many are relying on electric fans to stay cool. But health expert Dr. Naheed Ali warns that using a fan overnight can come with hidden health risks.
One of the most common issues is dryness. Constant airflow can dry out your throat and sinuses, leading to thicker mucus, congestion, a scratchy voice, or persistent coughing throughout the day.
Another concern is allergies or asthma. Fans circulate dust, dander, pollen, and lint—particles that can trigger sneezing, wheezing, or a tight chest, especially for those with respiratory sensitivities.
Muscle stiffness is also possible. A direct stream of cold air may cause muscles in your neck and shoulders to tighten while you sleep, leaving you sore in the morning. Despite these risks, there are safe ways to use a fan while sleeping.
First, try setting a timer so the fan turns off about 90 minutes after you fall asleep. This helps cool you initially without prolonged exposure. Avoid pointing the fan directly at your body. Instead, aim it at a wall or away from your sleeping position to soften the airflow. Staying hydrated is key—keep water by your bedside to prevent a dry mouth or throat. Lastly, reduce allergens in the room. Wash bedding weekly and clean or replace air filters regularly to improve air quality. With a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler night’s sleep without sacrificing your health.
The shocking reason you shouldn’t sleep with a fan on – and what you should do instead
Sorry to break the bad news, everyone…
So, anyone slightly melting and struggling to sleep in the heatwave at the moment? Yep, same – and while you might think that sticking a cool electric fan on to help you nod off without feeling all sticky is the best way forward, it turns out there’s a strong reason why experts actually don’t always recommend that approach.
With the soaring temperatures predicted to last until at least the weekend (and hitting as high as 34°C in some parts of the country), it’s worth thinking about some sun safety tips. From stocking up on SPF, keeping hydrated with water and being mindful of pets getting overheated, experts also say that assessing your sleep hygiene is important.
After all, we all know how grouchy we can get if we don’t get enough kip…
So, back to the matter at hand: sleeping with a fan on: according to advice from Sleep Advisor, this might not always be a great idea for health-related reasons, as although having a fan on will circulate air to make your room cooler and fresher, it can also circulate pollen and dust. Which isn’t ideal if you suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever (which has also ramped up for many at this time of year).
Allergies
“Take a close look at your fan,” the Sleep Advisor suggests. “If it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on.”
Drying your nose out
Other reasons not to sleep with a fan on include the fact that it can dry out your skin, as well as your nasal passages, and if your nasal passages become too dry, Sleep Advisor warns that the body can produce excess mucous, making you feel all bunged up come morning time. It can also lead to soreness and bleeding too, which again is far from ideal…
Muscle soreness
Oh, and then there’s muscle cramping! “People who sleep with a breeze directly on them may wake up with stiff or sore muscles. This is because the concentrated cool air can make muscles tense up and cramp,” the experts explain. “This problem is especially common for people who sleep with it near their face and neck. If you’ve been waking up with a stiff neck in the morning, it might be because of the constant breeze.”
