{"id":1511,"date":"2018-06-12T10:00:05","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T10:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bettersleeppro.wpengine.com\/?p=1511"},"modified":"2018-06-12T10:00:05","modified_gmt":"2018-06-12T10:00:05","slug":"allergies-and-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/allergies-and-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergies and Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a cruel summer for people with allergies. After a spring filled with fragrant blooms and the sniffling and sneezing that goes with them, you may find yourself still suffering with irritated eyes, a scratchy throat and a stuffy nose.<\/p>\n

During springtime, tree pollen is a common allergen. In summer, grass pollen and ragweed emerge to further plague allergy victims. And the hot, dry air of the season tends to carry more pollen than cool, damp days. Adding to the misery, some allergens aren\u2019t seasonal at all. For example, dust mites and pet dander can trigger year-round sneezing.<\/p>\n

Seasonal or not, allergies can wreak havoc on your sleep patterns<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no way to completely avoid the pollen and other irritants outside, there are ways to reduce your exposure indoors \u2013 specifically, in the bedroom. Here is some useful information that will help you take a summer vacation from allergy symptoms, so you can get a better night\u2019s rest.<\/p>\n

What are allergies, anyway?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Allergy problems \u2013 or to use the Latin term, allergic rhinitis<\/em> \u2013 arise when people breathe air containing allergens. Allergens are typically harmless substances that cause the immune system in some people to release chemicals called histamines. In turn, these histamines create inflammation that leads to symptoms like watery eyes, congestion and sneezing.<\/p>\n

How do allergies harm sleep?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you have allergies, you likely know that dealing with a runny nose, sneezing and coughing can translate into having trouble falling asleep. But allergies can lead to a lot of restless tossing and turning that prevents you from staying asleep. Difficulty breathing can interrupt your sleep many times over the course of the night.<\/p>\n

Many of us often turn to allergy medicines for relief, but you many experience negative side effects. Allergy treatments commonly contain decongestants that can keep you awake or antihistamines that can cause daytime drowsiness. Without enough hours<\/a> of quality rest, you may suffer from next-day headaches, feelings of anxiety or depression, lack of concentration and even a lower libido.<\/p>\n

What can you do?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to let allergy problems stand in the way of a restful night. There are some simple and practical ways to set yourself up for sleep in an allergy-free bedroom<\/a>.<\/p>\n