Sleeping with a fan on may seem like a good way to stay cool, but it comes with several drawbacks. While fans circulate air, they don’t actually lower the temperature of a room, which makes them less effective in hot weather.

Moreover, they can exacerbate allergies by moving dust, pollen, and pet dander around, leading to symptoms like congestion, itchy eyes, and coughing. Fans can also dry out your skin, eyes, and sinuses, causing discomfort such as sore throats and headaches. Prolonged exposure to the airflow might also lead to muscle stiffness or a sore neck, especially if the fan is directed at your body.

Additionally, fans can disrupt sleep for light sleepers or those sensitive to noise, as the continuous hum can disturb the sleep-wake cycle. Fans may even cause sleep interruptions by making the air too dry, which can worsen congestion and snoring.

To stay cool without these issues, consider alternatives like breathable bedding, cooling mattress pads, or a humidifier to balance the temperature without the downsides of a fan.