WARMER weather can be delightful during the day but unbearable at night and many will struggle to sleep this weekend.
However, before you reach for that electric fan, you might want to read this as experts argue that it could do you more harm than good.
Sleep expert Martin Seeley says that using an electric fan can trigger allergies, make you congested and even leave you with sore muscles.
So how can you keep the heat at bay?
Deirdre Mc Gettrick – home expert, co-founder and CEO of ufurnish.com – has shared her 4 favourite heatwave hacks to help you sleep well in the heat.
Even your pillow material can have an impact on your sleep in the summer.
Opt for down filled pillows as these are light and fluffy and more breathable than those with a synthetic fill, making them perfect for summer.
You can also choose a pillow designed specifically for cooling such as those made with cooling gel or ventilated memory foam which will help dissipate the heat throughout the night.
Choose a mattress topper made of gel-infused foam or latex as these are designed to regulate temperature and keep you cool throughout the night.
Place your bed sheets and pillowcases in sealed plastic bags and put them in the freezer for a few minutes before bedtime. Take them out just before going to bed and you’ll get instant refreshing coolness as you drift off to sleep.
Yes, you read that right but instead of boiling water; freeze your hot water bottle to provide a cooling ice block for your bed.” – Deirdre Mc Gettrick, home expert, co-founder and CEO of ufurnish.com.
According to Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay whilst an electric fan is a cost-effective means of cooling down at night, there are some downsides to using an electric fan for a long period of time…
1. It can trigger allergens and asthma
Naturally, when an electric fan is on it circulates the air around the room, however, what many people aren’t aware of is that it also spreads dust mites, spores, pollen, and other allergens. So, if you find that you’re suffering from excessive sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, itchy throats and even breathing difficulties, make sure that there is no dust on the blades of your electric fan.
If you have the budget, it is worth upgrading to a better fan that can purify the air by reducing the pollen particles and dust mites throughout the room. However, if this isn’t possible, regularly deep cleaning your bedroom will help alleviate your allergies.
2. It can make you congested
If you’ve ever had an electric fan on all day, you’ll be aware of how dry the air feels due to the excess wind. Naturally, over time this can dry out your nose and throat which results in your body needing to produce more mucus to stay hydrated.
However, this can create many side effects, including a headache, stuffy nose and even a sinus headache. To stop this from happening, you should drink at least two litres of water throughout the day.
If you find that this is happening, you should make sure to drink at least two litres of water throughout the day. 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.
3. It can give you dry eyes and cause an irritation
Dry air can also cause dry eyes, which can lead to irritation. This is even more important for those that wear contact lenses due to them increasing your likelihood of dryness and irritations. You can, however, get around this if you purchase a rotating electric heater as it circulates the air more.
4. It can cause a stiff neck or sore muscles
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.
This is because the concentrated cool air can make your muscles tense and cramp up, causing you even more pain. You may even notice that you’ve gained a stiff neck since using an electric fan so refrain from using it for a few nights to see if you spot a difference.
