Hayfever can be a huge problem for some people at this time of year, and if you suffer from it, getting a good night’s sleep can be far from easy. In this guide, we get the advice of an expert, who provides some tips on the things you can do to help you sleep better with allergies.
Allergies such as hay fever can affect sleep in several ways, causing insomnia and trouble sleeping through the night, to increased snoring and poor sleep quality.
If you are struggling to get a good night’s rest, or if you suffer from household allergies all year-round, Sally Bonser from Silentnight could have the answer. In this guide, she shares with us some of her expert advice on how to combat your symptoms and ways to get a better night’s sleep.
Consider Your Sleeping Position
Sally says, “Allergies can impact our daily lives; however, disturbed sleep is one of the worst side effects. Sleeping in an upright position can help to alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing, such as sinus pain or congestion. By stacking pillows and sleeping against them in a vertical position, gravity will act in your favour and can prevent mucus build up and feelings of discomfort.
Update your Bedding
Sally says, “Pillows can often be a magnet for dust mites and bacteria that we can’t see, so we don’t always realise they might be causing sleep disturbance. As a result of this invisible build-up, we recommend changing pillows every two years to maintain good sleep hygiene and prevent allergies from being intensified during the warmer months.
“If your bedding is still in good shape, but you need extra support when hay fever season is at its strongest, consider specific anti-allergy bedding. Anti-allergy pillows are filled with anti-allergy hollowfibre that actively protects your pillows from bacteria and dust mites to help prevent allergies. Silentnight’s anti-allergy fibres are approved by the British Allergy Foundation, which means they have the ultimate seal of approval.
The pillows are also machine washable at 40°C, which means you can keep them fresh and clean for longer.”
Close the Windows
Sally says, “Pollen allergies can wreak havoc at night as many people choose to sleep with their windows open during the warmer spring and summer months. Although you may believe that you are helping to create airflow in the room, this actually allows pollen and hay fever aggravating particles to enter the room.
“Sleep with windows and doors closed to prevent fresh pollen from getting into your system. A dehumidifier can help create a fresher air environment, or if the room’s warmth is an issue, consider cooling bedding for a refreshing night’s sleep.
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