As temperatures soar above 30°C in parts of the UK, many are turning to fans for relief. However, sleep expert Natalie Pennicotte-Collier from MattressNextDay warns that running a fan all night may disrupt sleep quality and cause health issues.
Natalie explains that while fans help with falling asleep, they can interfere with the body's natural temperature regulation later in the night. 'What helps you fall asleep is not always what supports your best quality sleep across the whole night,' she says. The constant airflow can prevent the slight warming needed before waking, leading to fragmented sleep and morning fatigue.
Additionally, fans dry out nasal and throat membranes, causing the body to produce more mucus, resulting in blocked noses and dry throats. They can also worsen hay fever symptoms by circulating allergens like dust and pollen. Natalie recommends cleaning fan blades regularly and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts.
To enjoy the cooling benefits without the downsides, she suggests using a timer to switch the fan off after an hour, or pointing it towards the ceiling or wall rather than directly at the body. Staying hydrated throughout the day can also help counteract drying effects.
