Do you sleep with a fan? Stop right now! – 30/07/2018

In hot weather, the temptation to sleep with a fan turned on is great. However, new studies reveal that the health risks are many – although mostly benign.

In hot weather, it is very difficult to get to sleep. A popular solution is to use a fan to cool the air in the room and create a pleasant draft. However, for Mark Reddick, a contributor to Sleep Advisor magazine specializing in sleep issues, the use of such devices is not without risk to your health.

Sinusitis, irritation, headache, cramps … [19659006] In the first place, people prone to asthma or allergies are particularly vulnerable to complications if they constantly use this type of device during the night. "When a fan circulates the air in the room, dust and pollen enter your sinuses. If you are prone to allergies, asthma or hay fever, this could cause a lot of problems.

The risks are great also for couples, where the mixing of the air causes irremediably the dispersal of the germs, which can provoke the contamination of your partner.

The constant breath of air also tends to dry skin, mouth, eyes and nasal cavity, if the ventilator stays on all night. Again, there are many health risks. "The constant diffusion of dry air could affect your sinuses. If the drought is really extreme, your body could then produce more mucus to try to relieve it. You will end up with a stuffy nose and headaches, "says the specialist. The problem is even more important for contact lens wearers who may be even more affected by the drying breath of the air. The doctor advises to remove the lenses before going to bed.

For all users of ventilators, it is also recommended to sleep with a glbad of water nearby, in case of dehydration. Finally, the continuous diffusion of fresh air tends to contract the muscles. This can cause cramps or stiff neck when you wake up, especially if the blower is directed towards you.

A serious risk for the elderly

Another study in 2016 also showed that the fans had a particular harmful effect on the elderly. Published in Science Daily, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Center explained that ventilated air increased the body temperature and heart rate of our seniors. The reason is that they perspire less than the younger ones, thus making the control of their body temperature less effective.

In conclusion of his article, Mark Reddick specifies that there is no serious danger to the health concerning regular use of a fan for the night. However the inconvenience is numerous. It is therefore preferable to open doors and windows to create a natural draft in your room. Removing carpets on the floor and preferring cold colors (blue or green for example) for your walls are also effective ways to promote the cooling of rooms during the night.

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Five tips to use the fan well

However if you prefer to use a ventilator, it is advisable to take some precautions to limit health risks

• Use a ventilator equipped with a timer which will automatically turn off once you are asleep;
• Clean regularly the fan and especially the blades to prevent the projection of dust during its operation;
• Do not place it directly in your direction;
• Prefer a device equipped with a swivel head;
• Hydrate before and during at night to prevent drying out of the skin and muscle ramps