Many people have the reflex to sleep with a fan in the summer, especially during a heat wave! And given the current heat waves, fans are selling easily and quickly. Yet, is this the best attitude to adopt to combat the effects of heat?
Of course, a wave of freshness through the bedroom in the middle of the summer night can be beneficial, but do you know the misdeeds that a simple fan can have on your health?
The heat waves are becoming commonplace due to climate change, we are witnessing more and more during the summer at high periods of heat wave. And who says period of heat and heat, says need to cool off. Also, many people leave their fans on all night.
The heat is certainly difficult to bear during the day but it can still be unbearable when it comes to bedtime and it is well known that having hot at night, does not really promote a restful sleep, or a quick sleep elsewhere. Thus, during heat waves, we can see a rush of consumers in stores and businesses selling fans.
However, keeping a fan close to you and turning it on overnight, exposes you to some risks that are not without consequences for your health.
Pollen and dust in the air
A constant diffusion of air through a fan that has collected pollen and dust, can only disperse through a room as soon as it is lit. Therefore, if a person is prone to asthma, hay fever, or certain allergies, positioning and lighting a fan in a room could be detrimental to their health.
Dehydration of the skin, throat and eyes
Although the use of a fan, brings a little respite in times of heat, keep it on and close to us, can significantly promote drying of the skin, eyes and throat causing irritation on these parts of the body. body, at least very sensitive.
This fresh and light air could also affect the sinuses, which will cause the body to produce more mucus to try to relieve them with the key, headache and stuffy nose.
Cramps and muscle aches
When people sleep with a fan close to their face and neck, cramps and tight muscles can also be seen when they wake up due to the continuous circulation of concentrated air. Staying at night near a constant fan is therefore to be avoided!
Increased deleterious effects in the elderly
Prolonged use of a fan for a long time is even more harmful for the elderly. In fact, unlike young adults, they do not manage to regulate their body temperature in the same way, it would increase with a fan running, which would promote an increase in body temperature and heart rate. , as confirmed by an American study published in the journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association).
Tips to better withstand heat
While a fan can help lower the heat if the temperature is below 35 degrees and if it is not directed directly to the person, but when the temperature is above 35 degrees, the fan may ultimately contribute to increase the heat. From where the necessity, and especially if one takes into account the harmful effects of its prolonged use, to limit its use, by privileging the fans with timer in order to better control its use.
To better control the harmful effects of a fan and those of heat, here are some useful tips to implement:
- Invest in a timer fan, with the key, avoid the inconvenience and nuisance of less air brewing.
- Clean the fan regularly to limit the flow of dust and pollen.
- Keep windows and shutters closed during the day and open at night when the temperature drops.
- Take showers and baths at room temperature in the evening before going to bed.
- Hydrate continuously by drinking at least 1.5 liters of water a day.
