Asthma, allergies, cramps, headaches… In many cases, sleeping with a fan can be dangerous for your health. We explain why.
78 departments are still placed in heat wave orange vigilance this Wednesday, according to the latest report from Météo France. The high temperatures announced this week throughout the country have a considerable impact on the quality of life of the French, including that of their sleep.
That’s why many of them sleep with a fan. By rotating at full speed, it circulates the air in the room and gives a feeling of freshness. Still, sleeping near a fan on is strongly discouraged in many cases.
Allergies, asthma, cramps, headaches…
Simply because by staying on all night, the fan can interfere with our health. This is especially true for people with asthma or allergies: by repeatedly stirring the air, the fan helps dust and pollen to infiltrate the sinuses.
Another problem with the ventilator: it tends to dry out the skin, throat, eyes and nasal passages, especially if it is aimed directly at the bed. It can then cause irritation and redness, as well as headaches or sinusitis. This can be particularly problematic if, for example, you sleep with your contact lenses on. The ideal? Take them out before going to bed and keep a glass of water nearby to avoid becoming dehydrated. Finally, by constantly stirring fresh air, the fan can contract the muscles and cause cramps.
A heart risk factor for seniors
A 2016 study by des researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Center (USA) and published in the JAMA had also demonstrated that the ventilator could cause a heart risk in the elderly. TThree men and six women aged around 68 were asked to stay in a room with a temperature of 42°C dressed in light clothing. Their results had shown that the ventilated air increased their body temperature and their heart rate, in particular because at this age, seniors sweat less than younger people.
As a reminder, know that the ideal temperature of a room must be between 16 and 18 degrees to sleep well. Also avoid consuming alcohol or hot drinks before going to bed, especially during heat waves. If necessary, take a cool shower or bring a spray can to refresh yourself during the night.
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