Is Sleeping with a Fan On Good For You or Bad For You?

As temperatures across Louisiana take a turn toward the hellish side this week many of us will attempt to aid our air conditioners by flipping on our fans. Many homes now feature ceiling fans not only for the ambiance but because they help keep your home's temperature regulated in both the summer heat and winter cold.

There are some people who swear by sleeping with a fan. Yet, there are others that will tell you that if they sleep with a fan on, they'll wake up sick the next day. So, is sleeping with a fan turn on good for you or not?

The answer to that question is a resounding, yes. 

In other words, the answer to the question, "Is sleeping with a fan on good for you or bad for you?" has no absolute answer. There are certainly pros and cons for each school of thought. Perhaps the best way for you to decide is to consider each side and then relate that to your reality.

The cons against sleeping with a fan on include congestion. The circulating air can dry out your nose, mouth, and throat. The body's response when that happens is to create more mucus. More mucus could mean sinus issues or God forbid, a sinus headache. These dry mouth conditions also induce snoring and sore throats. So, if you wake up feeling that way, maybe a fan blowing on you isn't the best choice.

Fans also stir up allergens which can lead to a lot of what we've just described above. The moving air can also dry out your eyes and your skin. Yeah, if you're not moisturizing your skin and your sleeping with a fan on you could resemble an ashy raisin by the time the sun comes up.

Another not-so-good attribute of sleeping with a fan on is muscle cramps. Circulating air can actually cause your muscles to tense up while you sleep. This could lead to cramping or might be the reason you wake up with sore muscles in the morning too.

Are there positive reasons to sleep with a fan on?

That is a resounding yes. The most obvious reason is to beat the heat and make sleeping more cool and comfortable. It's hard to sleep when your body is too warm. And if you get too warm at night that can lead to sweating and nobody wants to wake up in a puddle of their own fluid, okay at least normal people don't want to do that.

Another benefit of sleeping with a fan on is the white noise that comes from the whirring of the blades. Now, many ceiling fans pride themselves on how quiet they are but the fact is they all still make noise. That gentle murmur can actually help your brain relax and unwind. The noise created by the fan can also drown out other noises that tend to awaken or keep us awake at night.

Those who sleep with a fan on might also notice that the air around them seems fresher. That's because the fan's movement of the air keeps stagnant odors and smells at bay. That way if your significant other has socks or shoes in the bedroom you won't wake to the smell of feet before your first sip of coffee. It also helps if your partner has issues with nighttime flatulence too.

I guess it's all going to come down to what you like and what you're willing to put up with. It is a matter of personal choice. We just hope that if you share a space with someone else, their choices and your choices match. Otherwise, it could make for some very contentious nights.