It’s the middle of August, which means one thing: it’s really hot outside, and the weather has probably never been so humid. Falling asleep without something that will keep you cool simply isn’t an option. Not only will you find it a lot harder to actually get some rest (because you’ll be so hot), but you also just won’t be comfortable at all. If you don’t have access to an air conditioner, sleeping can be a big problem during hot summer months like this one… and that’s where fans come in. There are plenty of benefits of sleeping with a fan on that will make you want to invest in a good one.
As with anything else, there are also some negative effects to sleeping with a fan. Because of the way fans move air, if it’s very hot outside, it could actually dry so much sweat off of you that it leaves you feeling a little dehydrated. Fans can also kick up dust and other allergens around the room, swirling them into the air and then eventually into your face, where they get into your nasal passage and can potentially cause a cold or annoying allergies. If you have a lot of allergies, you probably want to talk to a doctor before committing to sleeping with a fan.
Otherwise, though, if you’re really hot and need something to cool you down, or need an extra boost of air even fi you have an air conditioner, a fan will do the trick.
The main reason most people buy fans and use them while sleeping is because they control the temperature in a room and can keep you cool. A fan circulates air over the body, encouraging the core body temperature to drop. Fans also create a breezy feeling, which is why so many people use them with air conditioners.
2It Saves You Money
Whether you get a window air conditioner or a central air system, one thing is for sure: they can be a big expense. Fans are generally a lot cheaper (depending on what you’re getting). If you can’t afford an air conditioner, a fan is your best bet. Or, if you just want to save money and it isn’t too hot where you live, a fan will get the job done.
3It Creates White Noise
One reason a lot of people choose to sleep with a fan is because they create a white noise that can be soothing for many. One sleep expert told Huffington Post, “I sleep with a bedside fan every night, no matter what the temperature. If the fan’s not on, I will definitely have difficulty falling asleep. There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence that white noise can be soothing because it blocks out sudden variations in sound—like a barking dog, or a car alarm—that can lighten our sleep or wake us.” If you find that outside noises you can’t control bug you, try a fan for the calming white noise.
4It Gets Rid Of Any Weird Lingering Smells
One of the great things about fans is that they really get the air moving, and that means that they help get rid of any weird lingering smells that might be in your bedroom. They are especially helpful in getting rid of odors you don’t have control over that might be keeping you awake.
5It Keeps The Room More Ventilated
Again, fans are great at keeping a room well-ventilated, which is important to a lot of people, whether they have an air conditioner or not. A fan keeps the air flowing through a room, and many feel that this makes it easier to breathe. One study done in 2008 even found that a fan can reduce the risk of SIDs by 70%. On top of that, all of that ventilation can help someone feel less claustrophobic.
6It Might Help You Sleep Better
ns can improve your sleep environment by making a room cooler, more ventilated, and a little bit more quiet. Your sleep environment is extremely important for a good night’s rest. If you’re too hot, you won’t be able to get the right amount of sleep – experts find that a room should be between 60 and 67 degrees – and the same goes for if you keep waking up from noises or smells. So, at the end of the day, a fan can really help you if you struggle with restless sleep.
Yes, You Can Get Your Steps In Without Going Outside
Too cold or lazy to go outside? No problem.
In the summer, you might take for granted that the sun rises at 5:30 a.m. and doesn’t set until almost nine at night. It gives you 15 hours of bright daylight to go on as many hot girl walks as you please. It’s the perfect time of year to hit a 10,000 daily step goal, if you have one, especially when it means enjoying the weather. And you also have the sunlight to stroll before and after work, which is a real treat.
But then comes fall. While the clocks haven’t turned back quite yet, it’s already noticeably darker in the evenings. Just like that, the allure of the hot girl walk is gone.
If you had a solid walking routine all summer long you might feel bad about dropping it in the autumn, but according to Kelly Bernadyn, CPT, a Michigan-based group fitness instructor at Life Time gyms, it’s very common — and perfectly fine — to adjust your workout for the weather. “Getting 10,000 steps a day is challenging enough as it is, but adding in seasonal changes can make it even tougher,” she tells Bustle.
If you haven’t been in the mood to strut around town, you definitely aren’t alone. It’s also totally fine to hit pause on your hot girl walk streak in the colder months.
No Hot Girl Walk? No Problem
Instead of forcing yourself to walk in the dark in the morning or venturing out in the chilly weather after dinner, you might feel compelled to sleep in or stay inside under a warm, cozy blanket with a movie and a bowl of popcorn. And really, who could blame you?
It’s natural for your energy levels to dip this time of year as you prepare to enter a wintery hibernation mode. Personally? I’ve been feeling extra tired. Like, a nap a day kind of tired. It’s the rainy weather, the foggy mornings, and the earlier sunset, as well as a general sense of wanting to be inside next to a candle. (It’s probably also low vitamin B levels, but who’s to say.)
How To Create A Workout For Fall
If you’re still in the mood to prioritize movement, even if you won’t be going for a five-mile walk, there are plenty of other ways to go about it in the fall. If you live in the blustery Northeast or Midwest, Bernadyn recommends picking up a walking pad and recreating your hot girl walks inside. “It’s all about finding what boosts your morale and energy,” she says.
TikTok’s viral cozy cardio trend, created by Hope Zuckerbrow, could be another source of inspo to get your steps in at home. The idea is to walk on a tread while watching TV and sipping a tasty beverage, maybe even in your pajamas.
Alternatively, you might do a 45-minute guided meditation that helps you feel grounded amidst the chaos of life, an online yoga class to feel stretchy and calm, or a 30-minute dance party to get your sweat on — and boost your mood — right there in your living room.
