Colorado’s summer heat has kicked in, and with many homes lacking central air conditioning, residents are turning to window units and fans for relief. In fact, most Coloradans don’t have central AC—a small comfort for those sweating through the season.
Like many, I rely on a window AC and a couple of box fans. But should we be sleeping with fans running overnight? The answer might surprise you.
Why Experts Warn Against Sleeping With a Fan
According to sources like Tom’s Guide, using a fan while sleeping—especially in Colorado’s dry climate—can do more harm than good. Fans can dry out your throat, nose, and eyes, leaving you feeling groggy or unwell the next morning. For those with central air, avoiding fans may not seem like a big deal, but for the rest of us, it’s a tough adjustment.
Fans Can Trigger Nighttime Allergy Issues
If you suffer from allergies, like I do, fans can actually make symptoms worse. They circulate dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout the room, which can aggravate sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. I’ve found that taking an allergy pill before bed helps, but it’s still not ideal.
That Fan Might Be Why You Wake Up Feeling Worse
Even though fans provide a cooling breeze, they might be the reason you wake up feeling tired or congested. It’s frustrating to think something meant to help you sleep could be doing the opposite.
A New Nighttime Cooling Strategy
This summer, I’m switching up my routine. Instead of sleeping with a fan on, I’m planning to:
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Keep my bedroom shades drawn during the day to block out heat
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Open windows at night and use a fan to blow hot air out, not in
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Wear lightweight pajamas and sleep with the thinnest blanket possible
Have any clever tips for staying cool and sleeping better in Colorado’s summer heat? Share them with us through the app—we’d love to hear your ideas!
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