It’s tough to keep seasonal allergens in check to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, there are ways to keep pollen and other irritants at bay! With regular cleaning and dusting, plus a well-maintained HVAC system, you can sleep better without living in a bubble!
Learn how to sleep well despite your seasonal allergies with tips from Myrtle Beach-area specialists.
What Causes Bedroom Allergies?
Seasonal allergy sufferers dread the spring bloom, summer’s hay fever, and fall mold. Roughly a quarter of US adults have seasonal allergies, including tree and grass pollen, ragweed, and mold spores. While seasonal allergens are most prevalent outdoors, they are brought indoors by pets, on your clothing, through open doors and windows, and even via your HVAC system.
Many adults are allergic or sensitive to multiple allergens, so it's possible to experience allergy symptoms at night, even after the seasonal allergies have ended.
Read more: Affordable Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
How to Sleep Better with Allergies
If your allergies won’t let you catch any shut-eye, try these tips:
Outside Clothes Stay Out
Individuals with severe allergies should avoid bringing pollen into their bedrooms on their clothes. When you get home, remove your outer clothing at the door and store it in the garage or put it straight in the washing machine.
Wash Your Hands (And Body)
Pollen and other allergens cover every outdoor surface. From the car door handle to the mailbox, touching these surfaces can transfer contaminants to your hands and body.
Wash your hands as soon as you get home, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes until your hands are clean. If you’ve been outside for a while, you might want to shower and blow your nose to remove pollen from the inside of your nose, hair, and skin.
Dust Your Room Regularly
Bedrooms gather a lot of dust because we spend a lot of time in them, and they typically have less airflow or ventilation than other rooms in the house. During allergy season, try to dust and vacuum your bedroom at least once a week to keep dust levels low.
Use Your HVAC System
Use your heat or AC system to filter the air circulating through your home. This will also help prevent your system from accumulating dust and debris from sitting idle.
Replace your HVAC’s air filter every one to three months. During peak allergy season, a one-month frequency will maximize air filtration. Check your owner’s manual or contact our team to see if a HEPA filter is compatible with your system.
Consider An Air Purifier
Place a portable air purifier in your room and run it during the day. Look for an air purifier with a HEPA filter to trap small particles like dust and pollen.
Allergies and Sleep: Why It’s So Hard to Get Shut-Eye
You might notice your symptoms worsen when you sleep. Allergies tend to be more severe at night due to the increased exposure to the bedroom allergens we listed above, plus your body’selevated histamine levels. For some individuals, simply lying down can exacerbate symptoms due to airway anatomy.
Does Sleeping with a Humidifier Help Allergies?
Sleeping with a humidifier may alleviate symptoms for some individuals, but it’s far from a universal solution. Too-high humidity levels may worsen allergies, especially for people sensitive to mold and dust.
What Is the Best Temperature and Humidity for Sleeping?
According to the EPA, the ideal temperature for sleeping is 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoor humidity levels should be kept between 30% and 50%. Maintaining these conditions will help you to combat allergy symptoms.
Find Professional HVAC Services in Myrtle Beach
Swift Services is the trusted partner for all your home services needs in Myrtle Beach, Marion, and Lake City. We’ll work with you to maintain and repair your home’s heating and cooling systems so your family is comfortable, no matter the weather. Schedule your appointment with us today!
Book an appointment or call 843-352-6427 for prompt and professional service.