We might be in the midst of a scorching Bank Holiday heatwave – but several sleep experts advise against sleeping with the fan on as the hot weather sticks around
A number of sleep experts have advised against sleeping with the fan on, no matter how tempting that may be, as temperatures continue to soar this Bank Holiday weekend.
The mercury looks set to rise across the UK with 18 counties expected to see temperatures of 34C or more on Monday and Tuesday as the heatwave continues.
The Met Office has said highs of 35C are possible across Monday and Tuesday, which are likely to be the hottest days in May ever recorded. The current record stands at 32.8C. The UKV weather model suggests temperatures could surge to 34C on Monday in Lincolnshire. Most of central and southern England will see temperatures in the low-30s.
Highs of 35C are possible in London and the south-west on Tuesday, the weather maps show. In total, the data suggests 18 counties – all in England – could see 34C or above.
To beat the sticky, sleepless nights, many people have dusted off their old oscillating fans for some quick relief. However, sleep experts warn that keeping your fan on overnight might do more harm than good.
According to Dr. Kiran Dintyala, speaking to Sleep Advisor, fans constantly circulate dust and pollen, which can trigger severe reactions for allergy and asthma sufferers. Furthermore, the continuous airflow dries out the room, potentially leading to dehydration, dry eyes, sinus infections, bronchitis, and nosebleeds.
If you sleep with your mouth open, that dry air is a recipe for a sore throat by morning. On top of that, Dr. Dintyala noted that being blasted with cool air for hours can leave you waking up with stiff, aching muscles.
“You may experience some muscle aches if you’re exposed to cold air all night,” Dr Dintyala said.
Mattress Next Day CEO and sleep expert Martin Seeley echoed Dr Dintyala’s sentiments, agreeing you should leave the fan turned off overnight, no matter how humid the summer weather gets.
If you are waking up with itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing fits, or trouble breathing, your fan blades are likely caked in dust and blowing it right at you throughout the night.
“This is also recommended for those that have suffered from a poor night’s sleep due to the heat, as even mild dehydration can cause you to feel even more drowsy and tired,” Seeley added.
He added that the constant breeze parches your nasal passages, prompting your body to overproduce mucus. This can trigger congestion, head pressure, and sinus headaches— though drinking water first thing in the morning can help. Staying hydrated is also crucial if the heat kept you awake, as even minor dehydration worsens daytime fatigue.
Seeley added: “If you have any pre-existing muscle pains, perhaps from working out or from improper posture whilst working at a desk, you should refrain from directing the electric fan on this area throughout the night.”
The sleep advice comes as the Met Office’s latest forecast suggests temperatures will keep peaking at 28C or more until at least Thursday. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures hit the heatwave threshold, which varies from 25C to 28C depending on the county, for three consecutive days.
There could be more “very warm” temperatures to come as we head into June too. The Met Office’s forecast for May 28 to June 6 states: “Fine weather and light winds are likely to continue for most places as high pressure expected to remain in place for much of the UK, although there may be a few showers with the odd rumble of thunder in the west on Thursday.
“Temperatures will remain be warm or very warm inland, but it will feel cooler near the coast, especially with an onshore breeze.
“Heading into June, more in the way of cloud is possible, perhaps accompanied by some rain and showers at times, though still a lot of warm and dry weather in between.”
