7 smart sleep tips to keep the sneezes at bay

As we move from summer to autumn, the weather change can bring about an episode (more like a mini-series) of The Return of the Allergies. Now that the wind is picking up again and plants are preparing themselves for their next phase in reproduction, this potent combination can lead to a case of the sneezes. Allergies can in turn affect your sleep.

It can be difficult to fall asleep when you are experiencing allergy-related discomfort. For example, symptoms of allergic reactions often affect the respiratory system, making breathing difficult. Relaxing or sleeping with congested nasal passages is tricky. But you need good sleep to survive and thrive!

Sleep boosts your brain power, helps equip you to achieve your goals, and help you learn and remember things (especially important for kids!), among other things. At Restonic, we firmly believe in the power of sleep, and so we want to help you ensure allergies don’t get in the way of getting enough rest.

Here are 7 savvy sleep tips to help you deal with your hay fever:

1. Wash that pollen right out of your hair and take a shower or bath before bed to wash away the stresses from your tresses. If frequent hair washing doesn’t work for you, go with a good brushing session and rid yourself of any allergens you may have picked up during the day.
2. Shake things up while you make your bed by giving your bedding a few powerful shakes for an instant refresh, and send pet dander and dust packing.
3. Pet-proof your sleep space. While it may be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, you need to choose between sleep and sneezing, making it easier to know which battle to pick! Try tempting Fluffy or Fido with a comfy bed next to yours, and train them to use it (good luck!).
4. Wash away the allergy blues by changing your sheets and pillowcases once a week to keep things fresh in the bedroom. Give the floors a good clean and dust those side tables.
5. Clean your mattress monthly and, while the bedding is flapping in the breeze, dust your mattresses in bicarbonate of soda and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming the mattress and taking any nasties along with it. Consider adding mattress and pillow protectors to make everything easier to keep bedbug free and add longevity to your sleep surfaces.
6. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day to keep allergy symptoms at bay. While water won’t solve your allergy, being dehydrated adds to the discomfort and intensifies symptoms. Go a step further and look into investing in a humidifier, as dry air can lead to dry nasal passages, which can also make things feel more uncomfortable.
7. Seek medical advice and don’t suffer in silence. Hay fever is a genuine condition, and a doctor can recommend an antihistamine that will work for you. Some medicines can make you feel drowsy for up to 12 hours, but others work well during the day, so speak to your doctor about what would suit your lifestyle best.

When allergies are left unchecked, they could be the gateway to snoring and sleep apnea, so it is best to take a proactive approach for the sake of your sleep health.

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