UK heatwave: Why experts warn against sleeping with fans on all night amid rising temperatures

With Britain hit by a severe heatwave in early summer, experts are warning people against leaving electric fans running overnight, saying the popular cooling method could increase the risk of electrical fires, allergies and dehydration.The warning comes at a time when the United Kingdom records unusually high temperatures during the night, with parts of southern England experiencing a “tropical night” after temperatures remained above 21 degrees Celsius. With homes getting hot and stuffy, many people are turning to pedestal and desk fans for sleepless nights.However, appliance repair experts say fans should not be left running while people are sleeping. According to specialists, electrical appliances can overheat during extreme temperatures, increasing the possibility of malfunctions and even fires if left unattended overnight.According to The Mirror, experts are also advising households to check their smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly during the heatwave.Health experts also highlighted many side effects associated with sleeping with fans constantly on.One major concern is that fans distribute dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout the room. This can lead to sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma, hay fever or allergies.

Experts note that dirty fan blades can exacerbate the problem by blowing accumulated dust directly into the air throughout the night.Doctors also warned that the constant airflow can dry out the skin, eyes, mouth and nasal passages. This may lead to sore throat, sinus irritation, nosebleeds, and dehydration in the morning. In some cases, the body responds by producing excess mucus, causing a stuffy nose and headache.Another issue is muscle stiffness. Sleep specialists say prolonged exposure to cold air can cause muscle tension during the night, leaving people with neck, shoulder or back pain after waking up.Instead of keeping fans on all night, experts recommend using lightweight cotton blankets, staying hydrated, opening windows for airflow, and taking a cool bath before bed. Sleeping in the basement, where temperatures are naturally cooler, may also help during extremely hot nights.