Expert reveals the reason you shouldn't leave a fan on overnight

Leaving a fan on overnight could cause problems for your health and comfort, experts say. As the UK heatwave continues, Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, is warning that leaving your fan on overnight could have unexpected downsides. Martin has shared the key reasons to avoid sleeping with your fan running all night.

He said one reason is that fans circulate allergens and dust. Martin said, “Fans don’t just move air; they also circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens that have settled on your furniture and fan blades.

“If you suffer from allergies or asthma, this can make your symptoms much worse overnight, leading to sneezing, coughing, and congestion by morning.”

Another reason is that it can cause eye and skin dryness.

He added: “Constant airflow from a fan can dry out your skin, eyes, and nasal passages.

“This dryness can cause irritation, sore throats, and even trigger your body to produce excess mucus, making you feel more congested and uncomfortable.”

Leaving your fan on overnight could also cause headaches as cool, dry air can irritate sensitive areas and trigger headaches.

If you’re looking for other ways to stay cool without leaving your fan on, Martin has suggested one which could work.

He said: “Dampening a sheet or towel with cool water and using it as a light cover can create a natural evaporative cooling effect.

“As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from your body, helping you feel cooler without the need for constant fan use.

“For best results, combine this with a fan set on a timer to circulate the cooler air briefly before switching off.”

If you’re looking for another way to stay cool, there’s another which could work.

You can run your wrists under cold water for a few minutes before bed, or soak your feet in cool water. These pulse points help lower your core temperature quickly.

By making these simple changes, you can ensure a good night's sleep despite warmer temperatures while prioritising your health and comfort.