Can't sleep without the sound of a fan? Discover the secret of `white noise` and is it safe?

Written By ندى ماهر عبدربه on 2024/10/20

This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.

Arab Weather - With the arrival of evening and the drop in temperatures and the challenge of autumn, you may find yourself needing to turn on the fan, even if you do not need to, and not because you feel hot. This matter may not only be related to cooling the air, but to the sound of the fan itself. So what is this sound that makes you feel comfortable? Could there be harm from "white noise"? Let's find out through this article

How does white noise affect sleep?

White noise is a combination of different sounds that mask sudden noises around you. The sound of a fan, the sound of rain, or even electronic devices playing in the background can be considered a type of white noise that many people prefer while sleeping.

Is white noise really helpful?

White noise is the sound produced by all frequencies that humans can hear, which reverberates randomly and evenly over time. In recent years, many apps and devices have become popular that use this sound, along with other soothing sounds, such as the sound of a fan or waves, to help people sleep.

According to one theory, these sounds help mask annoying outside noises, and are linked to sleep when used repeatedly, making it easier for people to fall asleep automatically.

Safety Standards and the Effect of White Noise

According to the World Health Organization, the safety of white noise depends on the volume and duration of exposure. For children, white noise can cause auditory processing problems, as the brain quickly adapts to it and no longer responds to sounds normally. Exposure of children to white noise for long periods of time can lead to learning and speech problems. Studies have also suggested that some commercially available white noise devices may exceed safe volume levels for children, increasing the risk of hearing loss.

Negative effects on adults

The risks are not limited to children only, studies have found that white noise affects the nervous system in adults as well. It can lead to a decrease in the brain’s ability to filter out unnecessary information, and it may also affect the stages of deep sleep, which negatively affects the quality of sleep and overall health.

Recommendations for safe use

Research recommends against relying entirely on white noise for sleep, especially for children. It is best to place the device at least 200 cm away from the bed, while keeping the volume level within the internationally recommended range, which is less than 60 decibels for children and 70 decibels for adults.

Fan and low temperatures

You may not need a fan for cooling, but you may still run it for the psychological comfort its sound provides. This behavior is not strange, as the human mind considers constant sounds to be comfortable and soothing, but many mothers warn against sleeping directly in front of a fan, a warning that carries a lot of wisdom. As its use can lead to a number of physical damages, the most prominent of which are:

Allergy Trigger: The fan disperses dust particles, mold, or pet dander, making allergy sufferers more likely to experience sneezing attacks and sinus and eye problems.
Causes dryness: Air circulation dries out the skin, eyes, and mouth. This dryness can cause sore throats, nasal congestion, and eye pain.
Sleep disturbances: Some people find fan noise relaxing, while others find it annoying, making it difficult to sleep. Loud noise can be annoying and reduce the quality of sleep.
Headache: Sleeping in front of a fan may cause headaches for some people due to the body being directly and continuously exposed to cold air.
Snoring: Nasal congestion from dry air causes fluid to build up, making snoring more likely.
Muscle pain: Constant concentration of air on a particular part of the body can cause muscle pain, especially if it continues for long periods.
Increased risk of catching a cold: Direct exposure to cold air increases the risk of catching a cold and its associated symptoms.

Tips for using your fan effectively and safely

To benefit from the fan and avoid its harmful effects, experts advise following some preventive measures:

Maintain sufficient distance: It is preferable to stay between one and a quarter to two meters away from the fan to avoid direct exposure to the air.
Clean the fan regularly: It is necessary to clean the fan regularly to remove dust and allergens that may accumulate on it.
Choose high-quality fans: It is recommended to use fans with low or almost no noise to avoid disturbance.
Do not direct air directly to the body: It is preferable to use fans that provide the feature of distributing air in an oscillating manner and not focusing it on a specific area of the body.
Use the fan timer: The fan timer can be set to automatically turn off after you go to sleep, especially on nights when temperatures drop.
Clean your home regularly: To maintain indoor air quality, your home should be cleaned regularly to remove biological and inorganic pollutants that may exacerbate health problems.