Many people cannot sleep without using fan, but scientists say this could be bad for us. This is unwelcome news for those of us struggling to nod off during current scorching hot weather. According to sleep experts at website Sleep Advisor, there are many reasons why use of fan could be detrimental to our health. Fans can cause problems for people with asthma or hay fever. rotating blades of fans cause dust and pollen to circulate around room and add to asthmatic's sleeplessness. Sleep Advisor says circulating air can dry out and irritate your eyes, mouth and sinuses, which also makes it difficult to sleep. Fans also cool the air and can make muscles tense up and cramp.
Other sleep experts disagree and say there are no dangers to health from using fan. Dr Len Horovitz, specialist on health of the respiratory system, said: "There's nothing about fan that's toxic. There's nothing wrong with circulating air." He told Live Science website that if fan stops us sweating, it will help us to sleep. He said people should keep fans at safe distance from their bed and not have them blowing directly at their body. He also recommended keeping air filter in the bedroom to reduce levels of dust in the room. Sleeping with fan may be preferable to using air conditioner, which can chill any sweat on our body and possibly cause us to wake up with cold.
