Sleeping with a fan on is fairly harmless for most people, but some may find it uncomfortable. This is especially true for people with sensitive airways. View Source and those who prefer a totally quiet sleep environment.
As long as your fan is clean, sleeping with it on generally does not cause serious health problems. But fans circulate air that may dry your nose and throat and trigger other uncomfortable symptoms. Keeping your home clean and free of dust is one of many ways to help prevent those issues.
Lung experts warn that using electric fans overnight can circulate dust and pollen and worsen some patients' asthma symptoms. On its website, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia noted that electric fans and open windows can increase the pollen count in your room, which could lead to more asthma problems at night.
Interestingly, Dr. Fielder considers sleeping with a fan much safer than sleeping by an air conditioner. It is all about what air is being circulated and where it is coming from.
Cooler temperatures at night can cause our immune system to slow down. This can make you more susceptible to conditions like common cold or a dry cough. Or else, you might wake up with a sore throat. If the AC unit is not clean, it will circulate germs and other airborne contaminants like dust mites, pet dander, etc.
The results of the study suggest that any air streams directed toward the nose offer relief from shortness of breath, and that in some cases, a room fan might even be as effective as an oxygen mask, researchers said.
Reflux and heartburn: If you suffer from heartburn, sleeping on your right side can make symptoms worse, Salas says. That's true for people who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and for people who have heartburn for other reasons, such as pregnant women.
Fans Can Dry The Air
If you have sleep apnea, allergies, or other respiratory issues keeping the air moist is important when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. You can eliminate this problem by running a cool mist humidifier filled with purified water at night.
Is it OK to wear my bra to sleep? There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make your breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.
“Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage. Sleeping with wet hair can lead to increased friction against the pillow, causing breakage and weakening of the hair shaft. Moreover, a moist scalp can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, potentially leading to scalp issues.”
Cold air can cause your airways to narrow. This can increase the amount of mucus you produce and make it harder to breathe. Cold, dry air can also irritate your airways and make symptoms like wheezing, coughing and breathlessness worse.
In Feng Shui, mirrors are thought to bounce energy around the bedroom. This may result in restlessness and amplify the worries in your mind as you struggle to fall asleep. Any extra anxiety at night when you're trying to stay calm makes it nearly impossible to get the sleep you need.
A couple of simple methods for keeping your bedroom an allergy-free zone include but are not limited to: Cleaning. Fans contribute to allergies by kicking up dust, pollen, dander and other allergens. Regular cleaning can help prevent these allergens from accumulating.
Sleeping with socks on may not be for you if you have circulatory issues, swelling of the feet, or other issues that could potentially increase the likelihood of socks restricting blood flow to your legs and feet. As always, make sure to talk to your doctor about if sleeping with socks on is right for you.
But it's important to be aware of possible side effects of sleeping with a fan on. For some, fans can cause congestion, dry eyes or dry skin, or worsen asthma symptoms.
Safe Use. If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the electric fan off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. Avoid leaving your fan running overnight or while you are out of the house. Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home.
"There's a host of evidence overall suggesting that probably sleeping on the side is better," says Dr. Virend Somers, a cardiologist and director of the sleep facility within Mayo Clinic's Center for Clinical and Translational Science. Side sleeping helps prevent the airway from collapsing and can reduce snoring.
Almost everybody has a side of the bed they sleep on, and most couples need to establish this as soon as they decide to start sleeping together. Research shows that men often tend to sleep on the right as it makes them feel dominant while women prefer the left as it makes them feel safe.
Many people find using a battery operated fan can help control breathlessness, and research has shown that a cool draft of air from a hand-held fan can be very effective. Hand-held fans are a great option because they are cheap, quiet and easily portable.
In the event you have allergy or sinus issues, a fan may worsen your symptoms. You may also find that sleeping with a fan may make it a challenge for you to breathe. This is particularly true if you have allergies or asthma.