How to sleep with hay fever: Keep symptoms at bay by cutting down on alcohol
Sleep is important for every day bodily function. Not getting enough can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health. Recurring poor sleep can put you at risk of serious medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, according to the NHS. Hay fever sufferers have been having another tough week this week after the Met Office warned a “very high” pollen count would continue to sweep across the UK this week. But hay fever symptoms, including sneezing and coughing, itchy eyes and an itchy throat, can make getting to sleep difficult for hay fever sufferers. Hay fever symptoms can worsen before bedtime and affect sufferers while they keep because pollen in the air settles.
Hay fever symptoms can worsen before bedtime and affect sufferers while they keep because pollen in the air settles
So what can hay fever sufferers do to help get a better night’s rest? Dr Pixie McKenna has revealed her top tips. Dr McKenna said: “While we all look forward to the summer months, one thing that plagues many of us is hay fever. Not only is pollen a nuisance during the day, sleepless nights are a common side effect of a high pollen count. “But, there are a few tricks which you can to do to stop pollen from settling in your room, and make sure you still get the rest you need during these months.” The first thing to do to help get your much needed forty-winks is to cut down on alcohol. Beer, wine and spirits contain histamine, which is the chemical that sets off allergy symptoms in your body.
GETTY How to sleep if you have hay fever: Keep symptoms at bay by avoiding this drink
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GETTY How to sleep if you have hay fever: Symptoms can be worse at night when pollen in the air settles
Dr McKenna explained: “As well as making you more sensitive to pollen, alcohol also dehydrates you which can make your hay fever symptoms seem worse. So be sure to drink plenty of water, even at those summer barbeques.” Keep your windows shut It’s easier said than done, especially on a hot summer’s night, but it’s important to keep your windows closed at night to ensure you keep the pollen out of your room, advised Dr McKenna. She added: “If you’re feeling hot, try placing some ice-cold bottles of water on your bed-side table which you can use if you wake up during the night. You could also pop you pillow case in the freezer just before you go to bed, so you have something cool to lie on.” Keep laundry inside Dr McKenna said: “It’s tempting to hang your bedding outside to dry during the summer months, but this can cause your pillow cases and duvets to become infused with pollen. If possible, use a tumble dryer, or else hang your bedding up inside to dry. “It’s also important to wash and change your bedding regularly as this helps to remove traces of pollen which can hang about - plus fresh bedding is great for helping you sleep better.”
GETTY How to sleep if you have hay fever: Cut down at alcohol to get a good night's rest