After months of damp, cold weather, the UK is finally heating up. And, the timing couldn't be better! As the country heads into the bank holiday weekend, the sun is set to shine, shine, shine.
While the current heatwave means days will happily be spent in beer gardens, on balconies, and at the beach, the nights aren't always quite as enjoyable – even though warmer weather can make us feel more sleepy. Between sweaty sheets and stuffy air, it can be tricky to sleep during a heatwave, which is why many of us turn to our trusty electric fans to keep us cool through the night. That approach, however, isn't expert-recommended.
According to advice from Sleep Advisor, there are disadvantages to sleeping with a fan on when it comes to our health. Here's why you shouldn't sleep with a fan on during a heatwave, and what to do instead...
Why you shouldn't sleep with a fan on during a heatwave
Allergies
Although having a fan might make your room feel cooler and fresher, it can also circulate pollen and dust. This isn't ideal if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or hayfever (which has also ramped up for many at this time of year).
"Take a close look at your fan," the experts at Sleep Advisor suggest. "If it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on."
Drying your nose out
As well as triggering allergies and hayfever, sleeping with a fan on can dry out your skin... and that includes your nasal passages, which you'll want to avoid.
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If your nasal passages become too dry, Sleep Advisor warns that the body can produce excess mucous, making you feel all bunged up come morning time. Not ideal!
Muscle soreness
Muscle cramping is another health-related side effect of sleeping with a fan on.
"People who sleep with a breeze directly on them may wake up with stiff or sore muscles. This is because the concentrated cool air can make muscles tense up and cramp," the Sleep Advisor experts explain. "This problem is especially common for people who sleep with it near their face and neck. If you’ve been waking up with a stiff neck in the morning, it might be because of the constant breeze."
Tips for sleeping in the heat
If, like us, you've now been put off sleeping with a fan on during the heatwave, then you're probably wondering how on earth you'll get any shut-eye in the coming days. Fear not! There are plenty of tips for sleeping in the heat.
Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest, which is why sleeping on top of the covers with a window (or two) open should be the first thing you try. Keeping a flannel in a bowl of cool water near your bed is also a good shout, as you can easily refresh yourself throughout the night.
As for what to wear? While you might think sleeping naked is better than wearing something to bed, a loose cotton nightie or shirt is a more sensible choice. Sleeping in your birthday suit means sweat stays on your body, instead of the fabric soaking it up – so you'll feel hot and sticky. Eww. Another option to tackle sleepless nights during a heatwave is to invest in pyjamas designed specifically to help keep you cool during the night.
What's on your bed makes a difference, too. Keep in mind that polyester (or even silk) sheets are not your friend in this heat. Opt for light-coloured bedding, ideally made from lightweight cotton, for a more pleasant sleep. And if you're really sweltering... head downstairs for a sofa snooze! Remember: heat rises.
Cat is Cosmopolitan UK's features editor covering women's issues, health and current affairs. news, features and health. The route to her heart is a simple combination of pasta and cheese (somewhat ironic considering the whole health writing thing), and she finds it difficult to commit to TV series so currently has about 14 different ones on the go.
