Is it really harmful to turning on the fan when sleeping?

Hot summer days are always uncomfortable without air conditioning and we are always looking for ways to keep cool, including using fans at night. But is it good to turn on the fan when sleeping?

According to Live Science, some recent headlines have raised the issue of sleeping on fans that pose a health risk. Specifically, the Mirror article is "Why is it possible to turn on the fan when sleeping can be serious for your health?" or LifeZette has a post called "Sleep when turning on the nightstand fan, which can be a health risk".

But experts say it's not so bad.

Fans are not harmful.

Dr. Len Horovitz, a lung researcher at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said: " Fans are not harmful. Helping the air flow is nothing wrong."

Indeed, sleep is important and you don't want to sweat all night. But anything that makes the air move quickly (including fans) can cause the mouth and nasal passages to lose moisture and become dry. Fans can also transmit dust in the air, affecting some people, especially those with allergies.

If you turn on the fan when you sleep, it's best to put it at a safe distance from your bed and don't let it blow right above your head. To combat dust and other allergens, Horovitz suggested installing an air filter in the bedroom. He also encourages daily nasal wash with salt water to prevent dryness and congestion.

Cold air can also cause muscle spasms, so cold air exposure at night can lead to neck twitching in the morning. But Horovitz said the reason was mainly due to the use of air conditioners, not fans. If you turn on the air conditioner when sleeping, do not let cold air blow directly on you and it is best not to lower the temperature to less than 20 degrees Celsius.