The Pros and Cons of Sleeping With a Fan

The Pros and Cons of Sleeping With a Fan

As the weather heats up, many of us are definitely reaching to turn on our fans, sometimes keeping them on while we’re asleep. On the surface this seems like a bright idea: it’s easier to sleep when the temperature is decently cool all over rather than just a heavenly cool pillow. However, there are a few drawbacks to keeping that fan humming all night. This doesn’t mean we’re cautioning you against sleeping with a fan on though. Depending on your circumstances, the pros may outweigh the cons. So check out a few notable pros and cons listed below and see if it’s worth it or not.

Pros

1. The cool breeze

This is the most obvious benefit. Fans are a cost-effective way of gentling cooling down your room at a fraction of the price and maintenance of an A/C. You can enjoy the feel of a gentle breeze without being outdoors.

2. Gentle white noise

The right fan can produce some calming white noise that can help lull us to sleep. White noise is a combination of low sound frequencies that produce a calm humming sound. It’s so effective in helping some of us unwind that some mobile apps actually make white noise specifically for sleep. If your bedtime isn’t completely free of noise, some white noise can somewhat drown out or at least mellow out other sounds.

3. Lighten up any odors

Circulating air helps dissipate lingering smells, so turning on the fan all night is a wise idea after a day of cooking seafood or anything heavily spiced. Freshening the air up can help you sleep if there’s an irritating odor in the air.

4. Decrease any stuffiness

Air circulation can help dissipate stuffiness as well as odors. A fan can serve as an alternative to opening your windows and doors a little wider, which may not be a desirable option in some circumstances especially if the wrong critters could fly in.

Cons

1. Circulating dust

Air circulation is generally positive, except when it comes to dust. If your home is particularly dusty, a fan may circulate it even more. Still give it a try and see if it affects your ability to sleep. Adding an air filter to your room can help cull this effect. Some of this is from the dust that accumulates on the fan when it isn’t turned on. If you’ve got asthma, allergies, or hay fever, make sure your fan is consistently cleaned.

2. Dryer skin and eyes

While it might feel lovely in the moment, the continuous breeze from the fan can dry out your skin in the long run. Of course, this can be mitigated by consistent moisturizing, but it’s something to think about if you’re generally prone to dry skin. Positioning the farther from you can help.

3. Stiff muscles

This may sound like an old wives’ tale, but it’s been found that constant artificial blasts of air can lead to stiff, sore muscles. If the fan is aimed at your face, this could cause you to have a stiff neck. So if you’re prone to muscle soreness, a fan may not be the best option for you. Fortunately, there are other ways to cool a hot night down. A noteworthy one is sleeping on a premium memory foam mattress with a gel top layer that actively wicks heat away from your body, such as the Lull mattress. Any muscle aches bugging you will experience some relief as the mattress’s three-layer technology supports your spine in a healthy alignment while you sleep. Whether you choose to sleep with the fan on or not, this mattress will undoubtedly make it easier to cool down and get a good night’s sleep as the temperature climbs. So check out our 41500+ happy reviews and see if it can seriously supplement your fan!
Back to blog