One of the very worst things about this year’s long, hot summer is trying to get to sleep when your bedroom feels like the Sahara Desert.
Even if you open the window, sleep on top of the sheets and forgo the pyjamas, it’s often so hot that within minutes you’re drenched in sweat and wondering if you’re going to get any shut-eye before work.
Unsurprisingly then, the heatwave has boosted the sales of electronic fans, with many looking for a quick solution to get some rest during the week.
After all, it’s well-known that temperature is key for quality sleep. “Sleeping in hot temperatures can mean you are more likely to wake during the night, as the sleep control centre in the brain is highly temperature sensitive, reducing your chances of getting a restful night’s sleep and therefore impacting on our energy the next day,” says Silentnight’s sleep expert, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan (silentnight.co.uk).
And it’s not just about avoiding being a massive grouch – sleep is vital for our health and productivity. “A good night’s sleep is important in order to process information throughout the day, as well as to repair and rebalance the body physically and mentally,” states Ramlakhan. “Ideally, in order for us to sleep well, there needs to be a fractional temperature difference between our body and our brain – a warm body and a cool head. The optimum temperature for good sleep is around 19 degrees, but it’s important to remember that this is about how you feel, and what you need for you.”
But some health experts argue that these gadgets can do more harm than good if left on overnight.
Fans and allergies
“Sometimes, sleeping with a fan on in the bedroom can encourage dryness in the skin, throat and eyes, as well as circulate dust and pollen, causing allergies,” says Dr Irshaad Ebrahim, Medical Director of The London Sleep Centre.
Asthma UK says that the droppings of house dust mites are one of the most common allergy triggers in the UK. These tiny creatures are too small to see, and they live in the dust that builds up around homes in carpets, soft toys, bedding, cushions and furniture.
Given that dust can cling to pretty much any surface, it’s easy to see how fans that circulate air can make asthma symptoms much worse
“However, provided you are well hydrated (around two litres of water spread across the day) and keep your home free from allergens by regularly dusting and hoovering, this should not significantly impact your sleep or long term health,” says Dr Ebrahim.
“Carefully dismantling the fan and wiping the blades to remove dust build up habitually will also help, and if you’re really suffering from allergies whilst you sleep, you may want to explore hypoallergenic bedding, too.”
“Asthmatics and those that suffer from hayfever may find it harder to sleep in the summer anyway, so should be cautious when sleeping with the window open or a fan on.”
As well as your allergies, electric fans can also have a negative effect on your eye health. “Most people overlook their eye health, thinking their eyelids will take care of them,” says Anne Malambo, a spokesperson for Feel Good Contacts. “Sadly, this isn’t the case; eyelids can be partially open when we sleep without us knowing, meaning our eyes are exposed.
“When you couple this with the dry air the fans circulate, it can cause our eyes to dry out. This creates red, irritated and sometimes puffy eyes, because of the unrest caused by the gusts of wind being periodically blown into them.”
Benefits of sleeping with a fan on at night
That being said Dr Ebrahim says that there are benefits to sleeping with a fan on. “They promote circulation of air through the bedroom, which is particularly beneficial in hot weather when people find the warmth uncomfortable and not conducive to good sleep.
“Most fans also provide gentle white noise, which is a type of sound signal that is calming but also drowns out background noise. Many people find white noise soothing and more comfortable than sleeping in silence.”
Experts verdict on sleeping with an electric fan on overnight
“Sleeping with an electric fan on is personal preference – some find it more comfortable than sleeping in stagnant heat, and whilst fans only circulate air (rather than produce cold air like an air conditioning unit) the breeze can be cooling especially when coupled with a slightly open window,” says Dr Ebrahim.
“Core body temperature needs to drop in order to promote sleep, so fans can be especially helpful during a heatwave – particularly in the UK where home air conditioners are not standard.
“As long as the noise is not disruptive, you are well hydrated, and those with allergies are taking appropriate steps to minimise the effect of dust or pollen allergens, fans can be a beneficial asset to sleep hygiene.
“Air conditioning units, whilst providing cold air and regulating the room temperature, are generally more irritating to the eyes, nose and throat as whilst cooling, as they also draw out moisture from the room.”
“If you must keep the fan on, which is understandable in a heatwave, then using eye masks and moistening eye drops before bed can really help with eye issues,” adds Malambo.
“You should especially take care with this if you are female aged 30-50 as you are more prone to dry eye conditions due to natural hormonal shifts in the body. If you’re taking care of your skin in the heat, be sure to place the same attention to your eyes and you’ll wake up in a much better mood because of it.”
5 of the best fans to buy
Looking a fan to help cool you down? See if any of our top picks take your fancy…
1. Honeywell Black Quiet Set Tower Fan with Remote Control, £165 (Amazon)
Five speed settings, with ‘whisper quiet’ technology, you can operate this fan via remote control and program it to run for one-eight hours; ideal for the bedroom corner.
2. Swan Retro 12-Inch Desk Fan, £49.99 (Amazon)
Simple, compact and stylish, this one’s ideal for a home office – and then carrying through to the bedroom later on. Comes with three speed settings and adjustable tilt and oscillation.
3. Designer Fan Q – Stadler Form, £150 (Amazon)
If interior aesthetics are your top priority, this eye-catching bamboo floor fan from Swiss company Stadler Form will look great in any bedroom. It has three speed settings and the protective grille on the back can be easily removed so you can clean the fan blades.
4. 45cm Oscillating Floor Fan, £92.99 (Amazon)
Wouldn’t this lime green floor fan look great in the bedroom corner – or lounge, come to think of it? Three speed settings, angle-adjust and still or oscillating options, you can also adjust the height to suit. And if green isn’t your colour, it comes in an array of bright and punchy hues.
6. Faro Barcelona Chicago Ceiling Fan with Light and Remote Control, £175 (Amazon)
For those who simply can’t live without a decent breeze, combining a fan with your ceiling light fixtures might be just the ticket. This one, which works via remote control, comes in a slick black and walnut finish (and would give your bedroom a cool hotel feel, no?).
TOP TIP: And if you’re after an ultra-cool breeze, try Ramlakhan’s top tip: “Place a tray of ice in front of a blowing fan. As the ice melts, this will help to cool the room down.”
Read more: 13 nifty ideas to make sleeping in the heat more bearable
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