I’m a sleep expert & it’s bad for your health to snooze with a fan on – how to keep cool as temperatures hit 29c
THE hottest day of the year is set to hit soon - and we bet you're sleeping with the fan on (or at least thinking about it).
But it turns out sleeping with one could actually be bad for you.
According to Mark Reddick, writing on , using fans can trigger allergies.
They are also bad for people who suffer from asthma.
Mark said: "For some people, having a ceiling or floor fan in the room helps them fall asleep and stay cool during the night.
"For others, it can keep them awake, trigger asthma attacks or dry out their eyes."
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He also warned fans can cause dust to move around a room.
"As a fan moves air around the room, it causes flurries of dust and pollen to make their way into your sinuses," he explained. "If you’re prone to allergies, asthma, and hay fever, this could stir up a whole lot of trouble.
Mark recommended people clean their fans before they use them. He said: "If it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on.
People also risk dry skin by using fans. "A constant blast of air on your body may cause dry skin. Lotions and moisturisers will help prevent this, but if your skin is excessively dry, use caution and monitor your skin to make sure you’re not over drying it," he explained.
"Another thing to consider is that some people sleep with their eyes partially open. Again, a steady airstream will dry your eyes and may cause major irritation.
"If you wear contact lenses when you sleep, this is particularly problematic."
But there are other ways to keep cool during the heatwave.
The NHS recommends keeping rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows.
"If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter)," it explained.
"Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
"Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar."
Make sure you also unplug chargers, as they will produce heat, and you could even pop bed sheets in a bag in the freezer - so they are icy cold when you get in the sack.