Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, except for a dastardly James Bond villain. For people who suffer from allergies, a night of tossing and turning because of a stuffed nose, watery eyes, and scratchy throat can lead to fatigue.
As if that isn't bad enough, it can also affect your mood and job performance, and can impair your driving ability.
For allergy sufferers who are tired from sleep disruption, there are some bedroom strategies and simple things you can do to catch some zzz’s.
For pollen sufferers:
• Take a shower and wash your hair before you go to bed, especially on high pollen days.
• Before you enter the bedroom change your clothing to eliminate pollen spreading to your bed sheets.
• Wipe your dogs down with a wet paper towel after they have been outside.
• Say no to the hair gel which, like a dog's hair, can catch pollen and carry it into your home.
• Do not line-dry your clothes on high pollen days.
• Wear a pollen mask and gloves when cutting the grass or working outdoors.
• Avoid window fans as they may transmit the pollen indoors.
For pet and dander allergies:
• Wipe your pets down with a wet paper towel after they have been outside.
• Don’t forget to wipe their paws.
• Don’t let your pets into the bedroom.
• If your pets need to be with you, don’t let them on the bed.
• Wash your dog once a week.
• Wash your hands after you touch your pet and don’t touch your eyes.
For dust mites:
• Purchase dust mite covers for your pillows, mattress, and comforter.
• Wash sheets in hot water and dry them in the dryer.
• Keep the room cool as dust mites like warm and damp conditions.
Helpful tips for those who suffer with allergies:
• Wash blankets monthly.
• Wash your sheets in hot water.
• Do not line dry towels, sheets, etc. on high pollen days.
• Vacuum your couch and bedding weekly.
• Dust your bedroom regularly.
• Wash and vacuum curtains at the change of every season.
• Use an air purifier.
• Keep windows closed. Use a window air conditioner instead of a window fan.
• Invest in a dehumidifier for the summer.
• Don't keep plants in the bedroom.
• Remove carpets from the bedroom.
These easy tips may lessen your allergies. However, if your allergies worsen see your doctor or allergies for additional recommendations.
Sources:
Martin, Nina. "Better Sleep Strategies for Allergy Sufferers." Real Simple. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
http://www.realsimple.com/health/better-sleep-strategies-for-allergy-sufferers
"Allergy-Season Survival Tips." The Dr. Oz Show. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
http://www.doctoroz.com/article/allergy-season-survival-tips
"Sound Sleep Tips for Allergy Sufferers." Sound Sleep Tips for Allergy Sufferers. CNN. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
http://inhealth.cnn.com/finding-seasonal-allergy-relief/sound-sleep-tips-for-allergy-sufferers?did=t1_rss2
Reviewed September 29, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith