“Allergy symptoms actually get worse at night,” according to Purvi Parikh, MD, and allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Ashtma Network and Allergy & Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in New York City.
Here are the reasons why:
Lying down worsens congestion
Gravity is not your friend when it comes to your bedtime allergies. “When you lie down, basically everything in your nose starts dripping down your throat,” Dr. Parikh explains. Due to the anatomy of the nose and throat, that can lead to more or worse coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing than when you’re standing upright. Prepping yourself up with some extra pillows might help ease congestion and post nasal drip.
Your bedroom is full of dust mites and mold
Your allergies might feel worse at night because of indoor triggers in the mix. “A lot of people are allergic to things in their bedrooms,” says Dr. Parikh, like dust mites that make their home in your pillows, mattresses, or box spring and mold that grows in the wall of older houses. Bedrooms tend to be the most allergenic part of the home. The allergies you get exposed to outside compounded by additional allergens on the inside may make symptoms worse. Experts recommend revamping your bedroom to rid the space of as many allergens as possible. Ditch carpeting (or vacuum frequently), use dust mite covers for mattresses and box springs, and consider an air purifier. Also, sleep with your windows closed to minimize how much pollen mskes its way into your room.
Your pet sleeps in your bed
Another common allergen making things worse in your bedroom are pet dander that accumulates on your carpet or comforter. Keeping pet animals out of the bedroom is best although many seem not to follow this route. Keep in mind that allergies are easily triggered by our furry friends.
You tracked pollens inside
If it’s not the indoor allergens making your symptoms worse, then it could be the pollen you unknowingly brought inside. Pollen can linger on your skin, hair and clothing. It is always best practice to take a shower and put on clean PJs before going to bed.
Proper bedside meds
Night time is a good moment to try over the counter allergy meds. Look for an oral antihistamine or a corticosteroid spray to help limit congestion and nasal spray.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website.
Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.