When the nights get tropically warm in summer, we long to cool down. For many people, a fan in the bedroom is the first choice. It promises quick relief and seems to be the perfect solution. But as pleasant as it sounds, is sleeping with a fan really healthy? Or can the constant flow of air affect the quality of sleep? In this article, we look at the pros and cons and provide practical tips on how you can sustainably improve your sleeping environment, even on hot nights.
How does a fan help you fall asleep?
A fan in the bedroom can provide noticeable relief on hot summer evenings. The moving air supports the evaporation of perspiration on the skin and thus ensures a pleasant cooling effect. This is often particularly helpful when falling asleep, as our body needs to lower its temperature in order to switch to the rest phase. Good air circulation can therefore improve the sleeping climate and provide more comfort on warm nights.
Is sleeping with a fan really healthy?
But as pleasant as this may sound at first, sleeping with a fan is not always harmless. The constant flow of air can dry out the air in the room and irritate sensitive mucous membranes. Anyone who wakes up in the morning with a blocked nose, dry throat or irritated eyes should take note. People with allergies or sensitive airways can react particularly strongly here.
Another problem is the quality of the indoor air. A fan whirls up dust, pollen and other particles that would otherwise settle on the floor. This makes it easier for them to enter the airways and can trigger allergies or irritation. In addition, the skin can dry out and react sensitively.
There is also the risk of tension: If the airflow hits your neck or back directly all night, this can lead to unpleasant muscle cramps. Last but not least, you should also consider the background noise. Even modern fans are not completely silent. The constant humming or hissing may initially have a calming effect, but it can impair the quality of sleep. Studies – such as the WHO – show that background noise can prevent us from entering deep, restful sleep phases.
Tips for sleeping with a fan
So if you use a fan in your bedroom, you should use it consciously to reap the benefits without putting a strain on your health.
- Indirect air circulation instead of direct air flow.
- Select a moderate level instead of full power.
- Use a timer to prevent it from running all night.
Sleeping with a fan for babies and children – what parents should know
Many parents wonder whether a fan in the children’s room is a good idea to make the heat more bearable on warm summer nights. However, caution is advised, especially with babies and small children: Their thermoregulation is not yet fully developed and their sensitive skin reacts sensitively to cool draughts of air. Instead of targeted cooling, a direct draught can quickly lead to colds or tension in the neck area.
Parents should therefore never point the fan directly at the crib. It is better to place it in such a way that it only indirectly provides a slight air movement and ventilates the room well before going to bed. You can also avoid heat during the day by closing windows and darkening the room. Light, breathable kids bedding, thin sleeping bags or sheets made from natural materials are a good choice for the night. They ensure that babies and children sleep comfortably and safely, even when it’s hot outside.
The best tips: How can I sleep well in summer WITHOUT a fan?
Fortunately, there are alternatives to create a comfortable sleeping environment even on tropical nights.
- The best time to start is during the day: Blinds and curtains should be closed early so that the bedroom doesn’t heat up in the first place.
- It is worth airing the room thoroughly in the evening – ideally when the outside temperature has dropped.
- If you create a draught, you can significantly reduce the accumulated heat.
Heat sources can also be reduced in the bedroom.
- Electrical appliances should be switched off in the evening so as not to heat up the room unnecessarily.
- Those who opt for LED lamps benefit from significantly less waste heat than with conventional light bulbs.
- Green plants can also help to improve air quality and contribute to a pleasant indoor climate.
In addition
- the choice of the right nightwear plays a role that should not be underestimated. Lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or linen help to draw excess heat away from the body and reduce sweating.
- If you take a lukewarm shower in the evening, you can gently lower your body temperature and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Small rituals such as a cup of herbal tea or relaxing breathing exercises round off the preparation for a peaceful summer night.
You can also find more information on this topic in our article SUMMER – The 5 best tips on how to sleep better in the heat, in which we give you additional suggestions on how to create an optimal sleeping climate despite the summer heat.
Our midsummer night’s dream – lightweight bedding from billerbeck
In addition to a well-ventilated and pleasantly prepared bedroom, the right bedding plays a crucial role in ensuring restful sleep on warm nights. If you also want to sleep well in summer, you should look for bedding materials that are specially designed for high temperatures and heat. Here you will find our recommendations for a pleasantly cool, breathable sleeping climate – even on the hottest days.
The cooling Summer SILK Superlight summer duvet is perfect for tropical nights. With its particularly light 100% tussah silk filling, it not only feels wonderfully soft against the skin, but also scores points for its excellent breathability and temperature regulation. It reliably absorbs moisture and releases it again. This keeps the sleeping climate pleasantly dry and cool at all times.
Choosing the right pillow also contributes a lot to a relaxed sleep. The WELLNECK® neck support pillow supports the natural posture of the cervical spine and ensures a comfortable, relaxed lying position. Its ergonomic shape and breathable, high-quality materials help to optimally regulate heat and moisture, preventing heat build-up even on warm nights. A special highlight is the cooling gel inlay, which balances the temperature and can even be additionally cooled if required. Ideal for anyone who sweats easily on hot summer nights.
For even more comfort, we recommend our COTTONELL® topper, which noticeably improves the feeling of lying on the mattress and also has a positive effect on the sleeping climate. The 100% cotton filling is particularly breathable and temperature-regulating, making it ideal for anyone who values a dry, hygienic and pleasantly cool bed climate, even on hot summer nights.
