There are many barriers that can negatively impact our sleep. One of the most common are bedtime allergies, which worsen in the evenings and can prevent us from getting the quality of sleep that we deserve.
The problem with bedtime allergies is that they can happen year round. Here is some information about bedtime allergies and what you can do about it.
The first step to controlling bedtime allergies is to determine what you are actually allergic to. Some allergies occur year round, as is the case when an allergy to mold, mildew, dust mites, or pet dander is the culprit. Others occur on a seasonal basis, as is the case with an allergy to certain pollens.
Talk this over with your doctor to help determine what your allergy is. It may also be a good idea to consult with an allergist. They both may also help you determine if taking antihistamines or other medication will be effective in your case.
Once you know what you are allergic to, you can remove the allergen from your bedroom. Your strategy will differ depending on the nature of your allergy. For example, if you are allergic to pet dander, you’ll want to make your bedroom a “pet free” zone. If you are allergic to pollen from the outdoors, you should keep your window shut.
Another thing that can help you remove the allergen is by investing in an air purifier. There are different types of filters out there and depending on the severity of your allergies, you may want to invest in more than one. For example, there are filters that can help remove impurities from your furnace, there are those that integrate into your central air conditioning unit, and there are those that help improve the air quality on a room by room basis.
At the very least, you should invest in a great unit that purifies the air in your bedroom. These help circulate the air in your environment and remove impurities such as mold spores, pet dander, and pollen. Be sure to keep your filter clean so it can be more efficient.
Another thing that can have a major impact on your nighttime allergies is changing your bedding. Certain materials are more conducive to preventing an allergic flareup at night, such as down.
Simple things such as changing your mattress pad, pillows, sheets, and comforters can have a major impact on your allergies and will help improve the quality of your sleep. Look for bedding that is listed as hypoallergenic and that uses materials such as down and Egyptian cotton in their products.
Are you sick of waking up without energy? These strategies will help you take control of your nighttime allergies so you can get the night’s sleep you deserve!