Millions of Brits will be turning to fans to help them cool down as temperatures soar this week - but leaving a fan on all night a good idea?

Sign up for free to get the latest North East news and updates delivered straight to your inbox

Temperatures are set to soar across the country today, with sweltering night-time temperatures set to be as high as some daytime values. The mercury is forecast to hit 34C on Friday, June 17, and is likely to stay within the mid to-high twenties over the weekend, meaning misery for many who struggle to sleep in such heat.

According to experts, the most comfortable temperature range to sleep in is between 15C and 18C. But in some places, overnight figures could top 19-20C. So, unsurprisingly millions of people will be turning to fans to help them cool down. However, it may not be as beneficial as people may think and could even lead to some health problems, according experts.

Worryingly, keeping a fan on overnight may have detrimental effects to your health. The breeze that seems like it might be helping, may actually be circulating dust and pollen all around the room - which is not ideal for those suffering from allergies or asthma.

READ MORE: Sun lovers warned to steer clear of expensive mineral sunscreens

Leaving a fan on all night has the potential to cause an irritating build up in the sinuses. Plus, the blast of cooler air may even cause the skin to dry up - not to mention the throat and eyes.

As a result, some people may suffer from sinus irritation, which can impact the nose and airways by drying up your nasal passages, causing extra mucus to build up and leaving you feeling all blocked up when waking up, as well as stuffiness and headaches. Fans can also cause people to ache all over upon waking up because the concentrated cool air can make muscles tense up and cramp overnight.

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office's National Climate Information Centre, said: "Take a close look at your fan, if it’s been collecting dust on the blades, those particles are flying through the air every time you turn it on. Climate change has increased the average temperature of UK summers, and it is also increasing the likelihood of experiencing more extreme temperatures during hot spells and heatwaves.

"Reaching 34C during June is a rare, but not unprecedented, event in the historical climate records for the UK. But if it should happen this week it would be notable that it would have occurred on three days during the last six Junes."

Brits are being advised to consider keeping one room shaded during the day and to drink cold water rather than caffeine or alcohol to decrease core body temperature. Other tips to consider to help get a good nights sleep include sleeping on cotton sheets, having a luke warm shower before bed and wearing loose clothing.

Freezing a handful of water bottles that contain a pinch of salt inside and putting them on a tray in front of a fan can help to create a cool breeze as the air blows over them too.