Ever notice how your allergies seem to kick into high gear as soon as the sun sets? You’re not alone. Many people experience intensified allergy symptoms at night, and it can leave you tossing and turning instead of getting a good night's sleep. But why exactly does this happen?
First, consider your bedroom environment. Dust mites, a common allergen, thrive in your mattress, pillows, and bedding. When you lay down, you’re getting up close and personal with these microscopic pests. Throughout the day, these allergens settle, but as you move around in bed, they become airborne again, making you breathe them in more intensely.
Humidity levels also play a significant role. Indoor humidity tends to rise at night, creating a perfect environment for mold and dust mites. If your bedroom is poorly ventilated, you might be setting the stage for an allergen party. Using a dehumidifier or keeping a window slightly open can help keep humidity in check.
You might also be reacting to outdoor allergens like pollen. During the day, pollen levels are high, and it settles on your clothes, hair, and skin. When you come home and relax, you bring those allergens into your living space. Washing your hair and changing clothes after being outside can reduce this exposure.
Another factor is your body’s natural rhythm. Cortisol, a hormone that helps control inflammation, is at its lowest level at night. This can make your body more susceptible to allergens. Combine this with lying down, which can cause nasal congestion to worsen due to the shift in gravity, and you’ve got a recipe for a restless night.
To combat nighttime allergies, keep your bedroom clean and allergen-free. Wash your bedding regularly in hot water, invest in hypoallergenic covers for your pillows and mattress, and consider using an air purifier. Keeping pets out of the bedroom and showering before bed can also help reduce allergens.
By taking these steps, you can create a more allergy-friendly sleep environment and get the restful night you deserve.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.
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