Do you keep a fan running while you sleep every night? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Many people swear by the calming whir of a fan to help them drift off to sleep. That gentle hum acts like a lullaby for some, and the breeze can feel refreshing—especially on warm nights.

But while sleeping with a fan on can offer certain benefits, it also comes with a few downsides that are worth considering. Whether you’ve been a long-time fan user or you’re thinking about making it part of your bedtime routine, it’s good to understand what this habit might be doing to your body and your health. On the plus side, one of the biggest perks of sleeping with a fan is the white noise it produces. That steady, low-level sound helps mask background noises like traffic, barking dogs, or noisy neighbors.

This can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, giving you more restful sleep overall. For people who are light sleepers or who live in noisy environments, white noise can be a total game-changer. Another big benefit is how fans help regulate room temperature. On hot summer nights, a fan can provide just the right amount of airflow to keep you cool and prevent your body from overheating.

Since being too warm can lead to tossing and turning, the fan helps create a more comfortable sleep environment, which is key to staying asleep through the night. Fans also improve air circulation in your bedroom. This might not seem like a big deal, but better airflow helps prevent stuffiness and can reduce the buildup of allergens like dust or pet dander.

If you have allergies or asthma, this added circulation might make it easier to breathe while you sleep. Interestingly, some research even suggests that having a fan in your baby’s room might lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The theory is that improved airflow helps reduce carbon dioxide buildup around the baby, which could help prevent dangerous breathing issues. While this isn’t fully confirmed and more studies are needed, it’s still an intriguing and potentially important benefit.

But like most things, using a fan while sleeping isn’t without its drawbacks. For starters, having a fan running all night can dry out the air in your bedroom. This might lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, or even a scratchy throat when you wake up in the morning. During the winter months when the air is already dry, this effect can be even more noticeable. One way to combat this is by using a humidifier alongside your fan to keep moisture levels balanced. Another possible downside is muscle stiffness. If your fan is pointed directly at you, the constant airflow can cause certain muscles to tighten up, especially around your neck and shoulders. You might wake up feeling sore or tense without realizing the fan is to blame.

To avoid this, it’s a good idea to position your fan so the breeze circulates the room rather than hitting your body directly. Additionally, while fans can help move allergens out of the air, they can also stir up dust if the fan isn’t cleaned regularly. Dirty blades can blow dust and other particles around the room, making allergies worse instead of better. To keep this from happening, make it a habit to wipe down your fan blades and clean the area around the fan on a regular basis. There’s also something to be said about noise sensitivity. While the sound of a fan might seem soothing at first, some people find that over time, they become more sensitive to noise. If this happens, you might need to consider switching to a quieter model or finding an alternative form of white noise that’s less disruptive. Lastly, there’s the issue of energy consumption.

Leaving a fan on all night uses electricity, which not only affects your utility bill but also contributes to your carbon footprint. While fans use less power than air conditioners, the impact adds up over time. If you’re concerned about energy use, consider investing in an energy-efficient fan or setting a timer so it turns off automatically after a few hours. So, is sleeping with a fan on good or bad for you? It really depends on your personal needs and how you use it. With the right setup and a little attention to comfort and cleanliness, a fan can be a helpful addition to your nightly routine. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons and adjust accordingly to make sure you’re getting the best night’s sleep possible.