Is Sleeping With a Fan On a Good Idea?

Side Effects of Sleeping With a Fan On

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 Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and those who prefer a totally quiet sleep environment. Other considerations when deciding whether to sleep with a fan include the cost of running it at night.

Aggravating Allergies

Fans can spread dust Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and other allergens around the room. For people with allergies, breathing in these allergens can impact the quality of their sleep Trusted Source Administration for Community Living The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. View Source .

Allergies to dust, pollen, and animal dander Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as a runny nose, itching, and coughing. For some, nasal congestion from allergies may also exacerbate asthma symptoms, snoring, or episodes of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which breathing is interrupted during sleep.

Even after a fan is turned off, household allergens can linger in the air or settle on surfaces like fan blades and bedding. Keeping the bedroom and fan blades clean, or using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier, may help filter some allergens out of the air.

Extra Noise

Though many people enjoy the sound of white noise while sleeping, others may find the sound of a fan irritating or distracting. Research suggests noises as low as 48 decibels, and potentially those as low as 33 decibels, can have noticeable effects on sleep Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . 

A fan’s noise level varies based on factors like the type and speed at which the fan is set. For comparison, a soft whisper is about 30 decibels Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source , and an air conditioner is around 60 decibels. Repeated nighttime awakenings or waking up in the morning feeling unrested may be indications that a fan is too loud.

Cost

While using a fan is generally more cost-effective Trusted Source Department of Energy The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. View Source than leaving the air conditioning on, people may still see an uptick in their energy bills. For those who want to leave the fan on all night, finding a fan with low wattage Trusted Source Department of Energy The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. View Source and putting it on the lowest setting can minimize the expense.

Benefits of Sleeping With a Fan On

Sleeping with the fan on has several potential benefits, especially for those who live in warmer climates, those who tend to overheat at night, or those who like the soothing sound of steady background noise.

Helps Maintain a Comfortable Sleep Environment

For those trying to sleep when it is hot, a fan may be a good option for keeping the air circulating without the elevated cost of running an air conditioner. A fan is also practical for people in urban areas who prefer to keep windows shut because of street noise.

A bedside fan can be particularly useful for people going through menopause or cancer treatment Trusted Source National Cancer Institute (NCI) The NCI is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training. View Source , as the cooling breeze can be helpful during nighttime hot flashes. A fan can also make the room more comfortable when someone has a fever.

Provides White Noise

Leaving the fan running at night is an easy, cost-effective source of white noise. Many people experience interruptions to sleep due to noise from traffic or bed partners. The goal of white noise is to soften the impact of these sudden, unexpected noises so the person’s sleep is not interrupted.

In addition to noises that come from outside, approximately 1 in 10 American adults Trusted Source National Institutes of Health (NIH) The NIH, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency — making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. View Source occasionally experience tinnitus, a ringing sound that comes from inside the ears. Tinnitus can make it difficult to sleep, but a fan may help mask the sound so the ringing is less distracting.

Keeps the Bedroom Fresh

Because it circulates air, a fan can also help make the room less stuffy. Fans may be especially useful for creating airflow and preventing stagnant air in bedrooms that have small windows.

Tips For Using a Fan While Sleeping

There are several ways to optimize the use of a fan while sleeping while minimizing the potential side effects.

• Purchase a portable fan: While ceiling-mounted fans are effective for circulating air in a room, they don’t offer as many options in terms of placement. A portable fan allows sleepers to move the fan from night to night depending on their needs and preferences.
• Avoid putting the fan too close: Those who find it uncomfortable to sleep with the fan blowing directly at them may want to put it farther away or set it on a rotating function.
• Keep the fan clean: To reduce the spread of dust and other allergens around the room, be sure to clean the fan regularly, including the blades. For compatible models, installing an air filter can help reduce airborne particles.
• Use a timer: Some people may prefer to use a fan only to help them fall asleep. In this case, setting a timer can prevent the fan from staying on all night.
• Choose a quiet model: While white noise is comforting for many sleepers, too much noise at night can disrupt sleep even when people are not consciously aware of it. If possible, invest in a relatively quiet style or model.

Other Ways to Keep Cool at Night

For those who prefer not to use a fan while sleeping, there are other methods for lowering the bedroom temperature at night.

• Use cool bedding and pajamas: Loose clothing and cooling bedding made from breathable fabrics such as cotton can encourage body heat to escape rather than build up overnight. For those who are feeling overheated, it may also help to eliminate extra blankets and clothing.
• Invest in a cooling mattress and bedding: Cooling mattresses and cooling pillows are made of materials designed to stimulate airflow around the sleeper’s body. For those who are not ready to invest in a new mattress, another option is a cooling mattress pad, which may use gel beads, water tubes, or other technology to reduce heat buildup.
• Shower before bed: Research suggests that taking a warm shower or bath approximately one to two hours before bedtime optimizes circulation and helps the body cool down for sleep.
• Cool down the bedroom during the day: If bedroom windows face the sun, blackout curtains may help keep the heat out in summer. In the evening, opening the windows and doors a few hours before bedtime can further cool down the room.
• Turn on air conditioning: Air conditioning offers a way to control the exact temperature of the room, and may be an option for those who find a fan too noisy. Most people find that the best temperature for sleep is slightly on the cooler side, between 65 and 68 degrees Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Blog As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source Fahrenheit.