In South Korea, there is a popular urban legend known as 선풍기 사망설 (seonpunggi samangseol), which roughly translates to “fan death theory”. According to the myth, falling asleep with a fan on can cause hypothermia, asphyxiation, and eventually death. While this certainly isn’t true, there is some credence to the fact that a fan can cause a sore throat.
When ceiling fans are left on overnight, they continually circulate air in a way that helps to evaporate moisture from the room. This includes the moisture from a sleeping person’s body. When the person wakes up, they may experience a dry mouth and a slight sore throat however, these symptoms should be quickly remedied by drinking a glass of water.
If you are concerned about a ceiling fan affecting your health, continue reading to learn more about why fans can sometimes cause sore throats. In this article, we’ll discuss whether your fan is making you sick and explain a few steps you can take to stop your fan from drying out your throat.
How Do Ceiling Fans Work?
Ceiling fans work by using a set of blades to move air around a room. The blades are attached to a central motor, which is usually controlled by a switch or a remote. As the blades whirl around, they displace the air and create a breeze, helping to create the illusion that the room is cooler. However, unlike air conditioners, ceiling fans do not remove heat from the room.
That being said, though, as ceiling fans continually circulate air, they can help to remove moisture. When air displaces excess water trapped in the form of humidity, the water quickly evaporates and makes it easier for our bodies to naturally cool themselves. This process, matched with a breeze, allows us to stay cool even if the room temperature doesn’t change.
Constant Evaporation Can Dry Out Your Face and Throat
While it’s beneficial to our bodies to have a little bit of evaporated moisture, too much can be a bad thing. When a ceiling fan is left on for an extended period, the air will eventually start to feel dry. This is because the fan is pulling moisture out of the air, including from your skin and throat. Dry air can cause several issues, including:
- Dry, cracked skin
- A scratchy throat
- Bloodshot eyes
- Nosebleeds
In most cases, these symptoms are only temporary and will go away once you turn off the fan or increase the humidity in the room. However, if you have a condition like asthma or allergies, dry air can aggravate your symptoms and make it difficult to breathe.
What to Do If Your Fan is Drying Out Your Throat?
In most cases, ceiling fans are too far away to affect a person’s throat. However, if you’ve noticed that your fan is causing your throat to feel dry, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort:
- Drink plenty of fluids: You should try to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially in warmer months. This will help to keep your throat moist and prevent it from drying out during the night.
- Use a humidifier: This will add moisture to the air and help to offset the drying effects of the fan.
- Take a break from the fan: If your throat is feeling particularly dry, take a break from the fan and give your throat a chance to recover. Even just lowering it to a slower setting can help to alleviate your symptoms without having to suffer in the heat.
- Invest in a smaller fan: In most cases, fans can sore throats if they are positioned too close to your face or if they are too large for the room. If you are constantly dealing with a sore throat after using your ceiling fan, switch to a smaller model that won’t blast your face with air during the night.
When used properly, your ceiling fan should cause your throat to feel sore. If it is, reassess how you’re using it or consider adding humidity back into your room.
Do Ceiling Fans Make You Sick?
In short, no – ceiling fans do not cause you to get sick. If anything, they can make you more comfortable if you are already sick. When you’re sick, your body temperature rises as your immune system works to fight off the infection. This can cause you to feel hot and sweaty, making it difficult to sleep.
A ceiling fan can help to circulate air and make you feel more comfortable while you’re sick. The cool breeze will help to lower your body temperature and make it easier to sleep. Just be sure to keep the fan at a low setting so you don’t make your symptoms worse.
Final Thoughts
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep cool during the summer months. However, if left on overnight, they can cause the air to feel dry. If you have a ceiling fan that is causing your throat to feel sore, try drinking more water, using a humidifier, or taking a break from the fan. You can also invest in a smaller fan that won’t dry out your throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I die if I sleep with a fan on?
No, although there have been many urban legends that argue otherwise, millions of people worldwide sleep through the night with a fan on and never suffer more than a slight sore throat or some dry skin in the morning.
2. Do ceiling fans cool the room?
Ceiling fans do not cool the room. They circulate air, creating a breeze, and also help to remove excess moisture, which makes the room feel cooler without actually removing heat.
3. What should I do if my ceiling fan makes my throat sore?
Set your fan to a slower speed or switch to a smaller fan. If your fan is generating enough air that it’s causing your throat to dry out, it’s either too close to your face or moving too quickly.
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