Sleep expert reveals the dangers of sleeping with the fan on and how to avoid them
Australians know it's really hard to fall asleep in hot, muggy weather, with many turning to the humble house fan to keep them cool.
However, everyone has heard the old wives' tale that sleeping with the fan on can cause a range of problems, including getting sick.
We decided to ask an expert to get to the truth behind the old tale.
Australians know it's really hard to fall asleep in hot, muggy weather, with many turning to the humble house fan to keep them cool. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Sleep expert and Psychologist Adviser at Ecosa, Carly Dober, explained that while sleeping with a fan can't give you a cold, it can stir up some issues.
"While a fan itself won't cause illness, it can lead to uncomfortable side effects like dryness in your mouth, nose, throat, skin, and eyes," she explained.
"This may result in congestion, headaches, and sore throat symptoms, particularly if you're already sick or suffer from allergies.
"Both fans and AC units can also cause muscle stiffness and cramping from prolonged exposure to concentrated cool air, especially around the neck and shoulders."
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Sleeping with the air conditioner on can also cause a range of problems. Getty
"Additionally, fans circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout the room, potentially triggering respiratory issues for sensitive individuals."
Despite that, if you do decide to sleep with the fan on, there are ways you can get around the potential allergy and congestion issues.
"For optimal comfort, avoid directing the fan straight at your face or body during sleep. Direct airflow can lead to dryness, muscle tension, and morning stiffness," Dober explained.
The best way to use a fan at night is to position it away from you. Getty
"Instead, position the fan [0.5m to 1m] away from your bed, or angle it toward a wall or ceiling to create gentle, diffused air circulation throughout the room.
"An oscillating fan is your best bet, as it rotates to distribute air evenly rather than concentrating airflow in one direction.
"If possible, place the fan above bed level to prevent direct exposure to your face while still maintaining good air movement in the bedroom."
For those who don't have a fan but do have air conditioning, there are other factors to consider.
"Air conditioning poses similar concerns, as it removes moisture from the air while cooling your space, which can cause dehydration and dry skin," Dober explained.
"That said, a well-maintained AC can actually promote better sleep by keeping your bedroom at the optimal temperature of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius.
"We also know that dehydration can impact cognition, so ensure that if you are sleeping with a fan that you also have a bottle or glass of water beside you in case you need it overnight."
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