Doctors Warn South Carolina Residents: Never Sleep With a Fan On
As temperatures rise across South Carolina, many people are turning on fans at night to stay cool. While it might seem like the perfect solution to beat the heat, health experts are warning that sleeping with a fan on could be doing more harm than good.
Allergies and Asthma Can Get Worse
If you suffer from allergies or asthma, that nighttime fan may be stirring up more than just air. Experts say fans can push dust, pollen, pet dander, and other irritants around your room—all while you sleep. Breathing in these particles for hours at a time may lead to coughing, sneezing, congestion, and even chest tightness by morning.
Dr. Naheed Ali, a health expert with a PhD in medicine, explains that this constant movement of air doesn’t just keep allergens in the air—it forces them into your body while you rest, potentially triggering asthma attacks or allergy flare-ups.
It Can Dry Out Your Throat and Sinuses
That cool breeze you crave at night might also be silently drying out your sinuses and throat. According to medical professionals, fans blowing air all night long can cause mucus to thicken and irritants to build up in your airways. This can lead to a dry mouth, clogged nose, scratchy throat, or even a lingering cough throughout the day.
Even people without allergies may wake up feeling stuffy or congested, thanks to the fan’s nonstop airflow.
Muscle Stiffness in the Morning
Another lesser-known side effect? Sore muscles. Fans create a constant chill in the room, which can cause certain areas of your body to cool down too much. This drop in temperature can make your muscles stiff and tight, especially in the neck and shoulders. If you’ve been waking up sore without knowing why, your fan might be the culprit.
Try These Cooling Alternatives Instead
Instead of relying on a fan, consider switching to breathable cotton sheets, using blackout curtains to block heat during the day, or cracking open a window for natural ventilation. Staying cool is important—but not at the cost of your breathing, sinuses, or muscle health.
For a safer, healthier night of sleep, it might be time to say goodbye to your fan.
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