That gentle hum of a fan might feel like the perfect sleep aid—until you wake up shivering or sweating. While many of us rely on fans for comfort at night, they might be doing more harm than good when it comes to quality sleep.
Sleep experts agree that room temperature plays a crucial role in how well we rest. The ideal range? Between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15-19°C). This cool-but-not-cold environment helps your body naturally lower its core temperature, signaling that it’s time to wind down. But here’s the catch: fans don’t actually cool the air—they just move it around.
On hot nights, a fan might make you feel temporarily cooler, but if the air itself is warm, you could still overheat. Worse, if the room is already chilly, that constant breeze can leave you waking up freezing. And let’s not forget the noise—while some find it soothing, others might be jolted awake by the whirring.
So what’s the solution? Opt for breathable bedding, lightweight pajamas, and consider alternatives like white noise machines or humidifiers if you need ambient sound without the temperature rollercoaster. Your body—and your sleep—will thank you.