Doctors share what sleeping with a fan on does to your body and health - The Independent

What the report says

The Independent reported that using a fan overnight during summer heat can help people feel cooler, but doctors and health reviewers warn that a steady, directed breeze may also worsen several common discomforts. The article says fans can circulate dust, pollen and pet dander in a bedroom, potentially aggravating allergies, hay fever or asthma, especially when fan blades are dusty.

The report cites Dr. William Lu, medical director at the digital sleep clinic Dreem Health, as saying that dry air combined with airborne allergens can make symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and congestion more noticeable in people with sensitive airways. It also references Healthline guidance reviewed by physician Raj Dasgupta, noting that cold air aimed at one area of the body for hours may contribute to tense or cramped muscles, including neck stiffness.

The Independent also reported that constant airflow can dry the nose, mouth and throat, which may lead the body to produce extra mucus and cause stuffiness, sore throat, coughing or sinus discomfort. It cited ENT specialist Dr. Julius Goh on the role of moisture in the nose’s natural mucus-clearing process. Dry skin and eyes may also be an issue, particularly for people who already have conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or dry eye, according to a Verywell Health article reviewed by pediatrician Jonathan B. Jassey.

To reduce problems, the article recommends placing the fan away from the face, using oscillation, cleaning fan blades, keeping rooms dusted and vacuumed, replacing HVAC filters, and maintaining indoor humidity around 30% to 50%, based on advice attributed to Dr. Michael DeShields. The report notes that fans move air rather than lowering room temperature, and says overnight use is unlikely to cause serious long-term illness.