How to Sleep With Allergies?

Have allergies got your sleeping pattern all in a mess? Don’t worry. In this guide for “How to sleep with allergies,” we’ll provide you with the best ways you can tackle allergies and prevent them from interfering with your nightly rest. First, we’ll go over the main causes of allergies and how each one affects sleep, then we’ll check out what allergens play a part in this disturbance and all the effective steps you can take to eradicate them (or not even give them a chance to pop up in the first place).

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen or pet dander, mistakenly treating them as threats. This overreaction triggers inflammation and allergy symptoms. The severity of allergies varies from person to person, depending on genetic factors and environmental exposure.

How Does Allergy Affect Sleep?

Have you ever roused in the middle of the night feeling restless with a congested nose or even breathlessness? Allergens can cause more than just congestion in the nose. They can bother you with a rough throat, itchy eyes, and runny nose, which may affect your sleep quality.

Common Bedroom Allergens

Allergens are troublesome substances that make you allergic. They can exist as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and whatnot!

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their waste particles can trigger allergies, leading to sneezing, wheezing, and congestion.

To eradicate dust mites, you may try these:

• Use a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier helps in removing allergens by reducing moisture from the air. It reduces the chance of allergens to grow and spread.

• Clean Out Dust From Carpets and Curtains Regularly

Regular cleaning can reduce the risk of causing allergic problems. Accumulation of dust mites can be prevented by regular washing and cleaning.

• Avoid Pillows and Covers Made up of Furry Material

Furry material can trap dust and dander. It is recommended to opt for pillows made of latex, wool, buckwheat, or other hypoallergenic materials.

Pet Dander

Does your animal friend roam around your room? If it does, you may have spotted something similar to dandruff in your hair. That could be pet dander. Pet dander are skin cells that are shed from your pet's body. It can result in skin rashes, itchy eyes, and stuffy nose.

If you have noticed something similar to pet dander, we recommend taking these measures:

• Keep your pets away from the bed.
• Be careful with your pets entering the bedroom.
• Give a regular bath to your pet.
• Seek professional advice in case of serious indications.

Mold

If you are experiencing symptoms like itchy eyes, cough, runny nose, or difficulty breathing, you may have inhaled mold spores and be allergic to them. Mold is a type of fungus that can be present even inside your home. They are scattered by air or water.

If you have noticed mold spores in your home:

• Clean out the garbage.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• Clean up leaks.
• Install a proper ventilation.
• Take an allergy test immediately.

Effective Solutions to Deal With Allergens

To keep out allergens and have better sleep, follow the guide below:

• Use bedding and furniture that is less likely to attract allergens; that is, hypoallergenic bedding and furniture.
• Keep indoor humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier, as it prevents mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
• Bathe your pets regularly and limit their access to bedrooms and furniture.
• Allergens present inside your home can be lessened with the use of an air purifier (preferably HEPA-certified).
• Adopt proper cleaning measures, like regularly vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum, washing sheets and other bedding with hot water, and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent allergens from becoming airborne.
• Keep windows closed during the allergy season. Use air conditioning instead of opening windows to prevent pollen from entering.
• Declutter your home by minimizing items like rugs, curtains, and stuffed animals. They can trap allergens and spread them throughout the house.

External factors can affect your sleep quality to a very high extent. Sleep is the core factor in the physical and mental well-being of an individual. Effective measures can reduce sleep problems to a great extent. Seeking medical help is highly advised if the condition gets worse.

To Sum Up

To manage allergies, you must be aware of measures to keep out allergens. Avoiding furry materials, improving air quality, keeping pets out, and taking medications if necessary can help you with a good night’s sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleeping With Allergies

1. Why do my allergies get worse at night?

Allergies getting worse at night is frustrating, but it’s pretty common. The main culprits are often dust mites in your bedding, pet dander (if your furry friend shares your space), and even mold if your room is humid. Plus, if you've been outside, pollen can cling to your hair and clothes, transferring to your bed. Bedrooms also tend to have less airflow, so allergens just sit there.

A few fixes: Wash your sheets regularly in hot water, use hypoallergenic bedding, keep pets off the bed, and shower before sleep to rinse off any pollen. Running a HEPA air purifier can also make a big difference.

2. What is the best sleeping position for allergies?

Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated is the best position for allergies. It helps keep your airways open and prevents mucus from pooling, so you’re not waking up all stuffed up. If postnasal drip is a problem, propping yourself up a bit more with an extra pillow or an adjustable bed base can help. Side sleeping can work, too, but stomach sleeping is usually a no-go since it puts your face right into whatever allergens might be on your pillow.

3. What type of bedding is best for allergies?

Hypoallergenic pillows, mattresses, sheets, and covers are the best types of bedding to help reduce allergen exposure. A tight weave is a game changer, and natural materials like cotton, wool, or bamboo help keep moisture and mold in check. Skip the down or feather-filled pillows and comforters—they can trap allergens. Instead, go for materials like natural latex, cotton, wool, buckwheat hulls, silk, and bamboo.

4. Should I shower before bed if I have allergies?

Yes, showering before bed removes pollen, mold, and pet danders from your hair and body, which can prevent them from transferring into your bedding.

5. How can I naturally relieve allergy symptoms at night?

Drinking warm tea or honey can reduce irritation in your throat. Applying a warm compress can reduce nasal congestion.

Related blog posts:

1. How Often Should You Wash and Clean Your Sheets?

2. What is Latex Allergy?

3. Health Conditions That Affect Sleep Quality

4. How to Clean a Mattress the Right Way?

5. How to Clean a Mattress Topper?

Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.