subject: Sleepless Because Of Allergies?---5 Ways To Improve Sleep In Your Bedroom [print this page] Struggling at night in your bedroom with allergies after a long day is no fun. The sneezing, coughing, congestion, post nasal drip, and sometimes dull headache can make it hard to even relax and impossible to sleep. Here are 5 things that you can do today that will make it possible for you to sleep tonight.
Leave Your Bed Open---One of the most potent allergens found in the bedroom is the dust mite. The protein in the feces (gross right?) contains the irritant which can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. This is because this 8-legged bug thrives in places that are warm, moist, and dark. Add to this, the fact that it delights in eating dead skin cells, and your bed becomes the perfect spot to raise a family.
Leaving your bed open will do several things. First, 30 minutes or so will allow the bed linens to dry, decreasing the moisture content that dust mites like. So there you have it, your excuse not to make the bed as soon as you get up. And secondly, it will literally shed some light on the problem. Dust mites are killed when exposed to sunlight. Isn't it great that something so natural can be part of the solution to such a big problem?
Wash Linens Regularly---Washing your sheets, pillowcases, comforters, blankets and other linens regularly will great reduce allergens other than mites including dust, dander from pets, mold and mildew spores, pollen, and other allergens. Water that is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter will kill the mites. Washing linens once a week will greatly increase the air quality in your room.
Use Dust Mite Covers---These covers are a very cost effective way to prevent mites from being able to take up residence in your mattress and pillows. They zip on easily and you hardly know they're there except you are able to breathe easier when you're in bed. They are moderately priced and can be found at specialty linen stores or at large super center stores.
Vacuum Your Room Regularly---Regularly removing allergens that have fallen to the floor reduces the number that can go airborne with normal activity in the room. The fewer allergens that are on the floor means the fewer that are available to be inhaled or ingested. Using a vacuum that has a HEPA (which stands for high efficiency particle arresting) filter will keep allergens from being returned to the air.
Filter Airborne Allergens---Regardless of how many precautions you take, it is inevitable that allergens will still go airborne. The most effective way to keep the allergens out of the air is to use a filter that can trap and eliminate them for good.
A HEPA air purifier designed specifically for the bedroom should be used 24 hours a day to remove allergy triggers from the air. Constant filtration makes allergen levels virtually non-existent and keeps the air quality in your bedroom healthy enough to let you get a good night's sleep.
