Allergies can cut short your sleep. This is because allergies can cause runny nose, itchiness, and nasal congestion which can interfere with your sleep. In a study, only about 17% of allergy sufferers reported that they had optimal sleep. About half of them reported waking up at night because of the allergies.
Sleep deprivation can affect your daily life and your work productivity. Long-term effects of sleep deprivation also include heart problems, increased blood pressure and psychological problems. Hence, make sure your allergies do not stop you from getting sufficient sleep.
Tips To Prevent Allergies from Affecting Your Sleep
Here are some tips to prevent allergies from affecting your sleep:
- Identify: Identify the allergens which are triggering your allergies so that you can prevent them. If your allergies are worsened during the night, you might be suffering dust mite allergy. Pet dander in your bedroom can also trigger allergies at night. Getting diagnosed for allergies through skin prick test or blood test can help you identify your allergies
- Medications: If you find yourself sneezing, unable to breathe easily during the night, taking medications can decrease these symptoms. Medications, over-the-counter or the ones prescribed by your doctor can help you fight allergic symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchiness. For example, antihistamines can decrease the symptoms of sneezing and postnasal drip. Decongestants can decrease the symptoms of nasal congestion
- Exercise: Exercise during the daytime can help you get a sound sleep at night. Exercising outside can also give you the benefit of sunlight.
- Close the windows: Keep the windows of your bedroom closed to prevent pollen, dust from entering into your room.
- Position of the head: While sleeping, make sure your head is a little raised. When the position of head is higher, the nasal congestion is decreased
- Other steps: Drink a lot of water to reduce excess mucus in your throat. This will decrease postnasal drip. Also, keep your pet away from your bedroom if you are allergic to pet dander
While sleeping, keep your bedroom warm and dark, so that you will sleep better. Also, prevent the allergens and take medications so that you will have a sound sleep.
