Experts say you shouldn't actually sleep with a fan on during the heatwave

In case you haven't heard (or melted while commuting on the underground), a heatwave has hit the UK and temperatures are soaring. This week it's set to reach 37 degrees celsius and if it does it'll be one of the hottest July days on record. Get the bra liners out, make sure you're equipped to deal with thigh chafing and carry water with you at all times.

While things heat up and you find yourself heading for the nearest Tesco for some air con relief, you're probably finding that it's affecting your z's, too. Getting to sleep can be a nightmare when you're feeling clammy, hot and bothered. Tossing and turning in a bedroom-turned-sauna is not the one.

But before you invest in a high powered fan and keep it plugged in all night to keep you cool, experts have warned that it can actually be a really bad idea.

According to The Sleep Advisor, having a fan on doesn't just circulate air to make your room a bearable temperature, it also circulates pollen and dust which is bad news for anyone who suffers with hay fever or asthma.

'Take a close look at your fan,' the site says.

'If it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on.'

It can also leave you feeling stuffy as it dries out your nasal passage which it turn can cause the body to produce excess mucous, The Sleep Advisor explains - and that's not all. You can also get muscle soreness.

The site continues: 'People who sleep with a breeze directly on them may wake up with stiff or sore muscles. This is because the concentrated cool air can make muscles tense up and cramp. This problem is especially common for people who sleep with it near their face and neck. If you’ve been waking up with a stiff neck in the morning, it might be because of the constant breeze.'

Who knew?

The benefits of sleeping with a fan are that it's cost effective and the sound is quite like white noise which can help you nod off.

So your choices are waking up stiff and stuffy, or suffering a sweaty snooze. Your call.