Why Are Experts Telling Louisiana & Texas Residents Not To Run Ceiling Fans at Night?

(KNGT-FM) - As you know, summers here in the South can be brutal with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees on some days, while nighttime temps may not reach the 70s for many days.

If any of you are like me, I use as many fans as possible just because I want to be cold while I sleep. I can't stand sleeping while hot. Experts warn Louisiana and Texas residents that they should NOT be running their ceiling fans at night. But why? Let's take a look at their reasoning.

I know I'm not the only one like this, but it could be 100 degrees in the middle of summer or drop down to 30 in the winter, and you'll still find me sleeping with a fan on. Most nights I’ve got two running. Something about the sound and the airflow just helps me sleep better. I know experts say it’s not the best idea, but honestly, I’m not getting through the night without it.

WHAT CAN YOU DO INSTEAD OF USING A CEILING FAN?

• Turn the fan off before going to bed or set it to turn off after a short time.
• Use a light blanket or wear cool, comfortable pajamas to stay at the right temperature.
• Open a window a little to let in fresh air.
• Keep your fan clean so it doesn’t blow dust around.

So why are they warning us to sleep without a fan on throughout the night? Here's what they're saying...

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SLEEPING WITH YOUR FAN ON?

• It might make you too cold while you sleep - Fans can cool down your room so much that your body has to work harder to stay warm. This can lead to light or broken sleep and make you feel tired in the morning.
• It can dry out your body - A fan moves air around quickly. This can dry out your skin, nose, throat, and even your eyes. You might wake up feeling thirsty or with a dry mouth or headache.
• It spreads dust and allergens - If you have allergies, fans can make things worse. They stir up dust, pollen, pet hair, and other stuff in the air that can bother your nose and lungs.
• Your body might get confused by the temperature - When the air keeps changing from cool to warm, your body might have trouble staying comfortable. That can wake you up or make it hard to fall into deep sleep.
• It could spread germs in the room - If someone in the room is sick, a running fan can blow those germs around and make it easier for others to get sick too.