A sleep expert has revealed the negative side affects of snoozing with a cooling device
With temperatures set to rise to a sizzling 30C in parts of Scotland this weekend, according to the Met Office, many of us are trying to find ways to beat the heat. With the vast majority of homes in the UK not equipped with built-in air con to help keep us cool, fans and cold hot water bottles have become a handy solution.
While the weather can be stifling during the day, many of us seem to suffer more at night time even though the mercury has slightly dropped from its peak temperatures from earlier in the day. In order to get a better night’s sleep, many of us are eager to switch on an electric fan to run throughout the night.
However, a sleep expert is now urging UK households to instead switch their fans off before going to sleep during the heatwave. This is because leaving a fan on overnight can actually lead to unexpected side effects that can be harmful for your health and comfort, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Martin Seeley, a sleep expert from MattressNextDay, explained: “Let’s be clear: there’s nothing wrong with using an electrical fan to cool down your room as long as you only use it for a short period of time.
“I’d, therefore, recommend that you turn your fan on 30 minutes before you plan on going to sleep, and then once it’s time to go to bed, set it on a timer for a further 60 minutes.
“This will help you cool down enough to go to sleep, without exposing yourself to the risks of all-night airflow.”
Martin has revealed five reasons why households should avoid sleeping with a fan on overnight, even if it is during a heatwave.
1. Fans circulate allergens and dust
Martin says: “Fans don’t just move air, they also circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that have settled on your furniture and fan blades.”
He says that running a fan overnight can actually make symptoms worse for those who have allergies or asthma. By the morning, you may experience more coughing, congestion and sneezing all by running a fan throughout the night.
2. Fans can cause eye and skin dryness
Constant airflow can lead to your eyes, skin and nasal passages drying out. This in turn can cause irritation, sore throats and could trigger your body into producing excess mucus. This can leave users overall feeling more congested and uncomfortable.
3. More prone to muscle stiffness
Martin states that if the fan is aimed directly at your body while you sleep, you will be more prone to waking up feeling achy and tense with muscle stiffness.
He warned: “Fans blowing directly on your body can cool muscles excessively, causing stiffness or cramps, particularly in your neck and shoulders.”
4. Headaches
Fans can actually make it harder for users to fall and stay asleep, especially if they are prone to headaches.
Martin explained: “The cool, dry air can irritate sensitive areas and trigger headaches, especially if you already have a headache tendency or haven’t kept yourself well hydrated throughout the hot day.”
5. You could overcool your body
While many of us are trying to avoid overheating during the warm weather, Martin warns that the reverse could also be a potential issue if a fan is used overnight. Users may end up overcooling themselves as the fan could disrupt your body’s natural cooling process.
He said: “Your body naturally lowers its temperature to initiate sleep, but excessive cooling from a fan can interfere with this process. This disruption can cause fragmented sleep and reduce the amount of deep, restorative rest you get.”
However, it isn’t all doom and gloom, as Martin did share some methods on how to stay cool during the night. One tip he gave was to try the ‘Egyptian method’. This involves dampening a towel or sheet in cool water and using it as a light cover. This can create a natural evaporative cooling effect which will draw heat away from your body.
Another option is to freeze your socks before bed. By placing them on two key pulse points – your feet and neck – this can help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool throughout the night.
Martin also advised to avoid drinking alcohol for at least three hours before going to bed. He says: “Alcohol raises your core body temperature and can disrupt your sleep cycle, making you feel even hotter and more restless throughout the night.”
