Imagine this: You’re in a cozy bed in a luxurious hotel suite in a quaint town you’ve always dreamed of visiting. You plan to wake up in the morning and head out for a full day of sightseeing. Instead, you have a hard time falling asleep, and when you do, you keep waking up. Why? What’s different about your sleep environment that is keeping you from getting your precious Zzzzs?

Could it be because you’re not at home where your fan lulls you to sleep at night?

Bedroom fans are a simple yet effective tool for creating the perfect sleep environment, essential for your body to recharge both physically and mentally. Feeling tired or sluggish is the last thing you need when making the most of your time on vacation!

In the Better Sleep Council’s (BSC) “State of America’s Sleep” survey, 27% of people who consider themselves excellent sleepers reported regularly sleeping with a fan in their bedroom. It’s somewhat surprising that this number isn’t higher because sleeping with a fan can provide quality sleep that comes with numerous health benefits such as:

• Promotes growth (in children and adolescents)
• Keeps your heart healthy
• Supports weight management
• Helps combat germs and keep your immune system strong
• Reduces risk of injury due to tiredness or decreased attention span
• Recharges your brain for  sharper focus, better memory and learning

Let’s look at the effects of fans on quality sleep and why you should incorporate a fan into your sleep environment. 

Optimize Air Flow and Regulate Temperature

When your bedroom is too warm, it can be disruptive to your sleep. A fan can help improve airflow, which regulates body temperature and prevents excessive sweating. Almost any type of fan will work for this task. Consider these options to improve your sleep environment with a fan:

• Box Fan: When using a box fan, place it across the room from your bed. 
• Pedestal Fan: Many pedestal (or standing) fans have a function that makes them move air back and forth, which is a great way to circulate air in your bedroom. 
• Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans are a convenient way to improve airflow. Remember to change the direction of the blades when switching from heating to cooling your home, and keep them clean to avoid dust and allergens.
• Air Purifier with Fan: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can also double as fans, another good option for curbing allergens in your bedroom.

The Soothing Sound of White Noise

Do you frequently wake up during the night because a neighbor’s dog is barking or there’s too much traffic outside your window? If so, a fan might be the solution. Tuning out environmental noises with the soothing sound of white noise from a fan can significantly improve sleep quality.

While our ears hear white noise as a grainy static, it contains all of the frequencies found in the spectrum of sounds in equal parts. White noise varies in intensity, which a fan can regulate.

Children and teenagers benefit from a fan’s white noise, especially if they go to bed earlier than other people in your home. The fan blocks noise and permeates the air with a soothing sound, so your child doesn’t have to sleep in complete silence.

Comfort and Relaxation

Six in 10 adults say they suffer from physical discomfort before, during, or after sleep. Common causes of physical discomfort include body aches and pains, being too hot or cold, or worrying about family/work. When you drift off to sleep with the gentle breeze or soothing hum from a fan, you’re likely to be more comfortable throughout your sleep and less likely to wake up through the night.

Whether you want to make your regular sleep environment more comfortable or you’re staying in an unfamiliar space while on vacation, using a fan is a simple and effective way to improve your sleep quality. Don’t hesitate to buy a stylish pedestal fan, upgrade your ceiling fan, or take a portable one on vacation. You’ll enjoy better airflow and circulation, temperature regulation, and comfort when you let a fan lull your mind and body to sleep.

Can’t sleep with a fan? Consider a cooling mattress to regulate body temperature. Check out our information on mattress types and the Mattress Shopping 101 blog for more information on choosing the best mattress for your needs.