Some people have seasonal allergies, while others wake up with a stuffy nose and sneeze around the year. This is hassling as allergies decrease daytime productivity and disrupt sleep at night. Being allergic causes itching, a runny nose, watery eyes, and poor sleep. Many patients also complain of having developed sleep deprivation because of allergic rhinitis. Thus, to help them get a good night’s sleep, we have enlisted some tips. Have a look!
How do allergies affect sleep?
In allergic people, nasal passages get blocked, which causes nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms worsen at night, leading to poor sleep quality. In some cases, these difficulties with sleep can cause sleep disturbances like bedwetting, insomnia, restless sleep, obstructive sleep apnea, and other forms of sleep-disoriented breathing.
How to sleep better if you have allergies?
Here are some tips that can help you rest well if you have allergies:
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Keep pets out of bed:
It is understandable to love your pets so much that you want them sleeping in your bed. But pet hair and dander can worsen allergies and cause problems. For this reason, you should sleep in a separate room and wash your hands before bed.
2. Use air purifier:
Experts recommend people with allergies use an air purifier in their homes and offices. They can clear the air of the household allergens like mould, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. These agents enter the house when the doors and windows are open.
3. Change your laundry habits:
On days when the pollen count is high in the air, make sure to change your clothes as soon as you enter the home. Take them off and deposit them in the laundry room directly. Do not hang them outside, and use a dryer instead.
4. Closed doors and windows:
When the doors and windows stay open during the day, they act as invites for allergens to enter the house. Thus, it is essential to remember to keep them closed.
5. Take medication for allergy:
Experts recommend that taking allergy medication at nighttime is more beneficial than taking it during the day. It is so because doing so ensures that the drugs are still potent in the body when you go to sleep. However, before taking such a step, consult your doctor.
6. Keep your home dust-free:
Even when we think our home is neat and clean, it is covered by dust. Grime and soot collect in the nooks and crannies of the room and hide behind heavy drapes and upholstered furniture. This is why you should avoid floor-to-floor carpets and dust collectors like fake flowers, stuffed animals, and old books in your room. You should clean thoroughly to reduce allergic reactions.
7. Talk to your doctor:
It is best to discuss the treatment options with your healthcare provider based on your allergy type. You can pick from over-the-counter medication, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes to get relief.
So these are a few tips you can use to get a peaceful night of sleep if you have an allergy.
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