Falling asleep in a hot bedroom can feel impossible during warm summer nights. That is why many people instinctively switch on a fan before bed, hoping the cool air will make sleeping easier.
But sleep experts now warn that the habit may actually disturb sleep more than people realise.
Recent heatwaves across parts of the US have pushed temperatures to unusual levels. According to Scientific American, Boston recently reached 96°F, breaking a temperature record dating back to 1949. Washington and Philadelphia also experienced extreme heat in recent days, reports Unilad.
Your body changes overnight
Sleep specialist Natalie Pennicotte-Collier told The Express that the body naturally changes temperature throughout the night.
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While cooler air can help people fall asleep faster, constant airflow may later interfere with the body’s normal sleep cycle. Experts say the body slightly warms itself before waking, and a fan running all night can disrupt that process, leading to lighter and more interrupted sleep.
The airflow may also dry out the nose, throat and upper airways, especially when the fan is pointed directly at the body for hours.
What experts recommend
Sleep specialists say people do not necessarily need to stop using fans completely, but they should use them more carefully during hot nights.
Some of the advice includes:
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- Using a timer so the fan switches off after the first hour
- Pointing airflow toward a wall or ceiling instead of the face
- Ventilating the bedroom earlier in the evening
Experts say sleep quality becomes especially important during periods of extreme heat, as poor rest can affect both physical and mental health.
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