How to stop allergy symptoms and get a good night's sleep

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Due to a combination of factors, it's common to experience allergy flare-ups at night. Especially if you have seasonal allergies, symptoms might make it nearly impossible to sleep. Factors such as sleeping position and indoor irritants like pet dander and dust are common reasons allergies can feel worse at night.

Click on to learn more about nighttime allergy symptoms, how they affect sleep, how to treat them, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Sleeping position

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Lying down increases your nasal congestion and stuffiness due to postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips from the nose down the back of the throat.

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

When you have allergies, this can lead to irritation in your throat, coughing, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms that can prevent a good night's sleep.

Dust and mold

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Water damage can lead to mold growing inside walls, and many older homes have buildups of mold, dust, and other allergens in the walls or floorboards.

Humidifiers

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Many people with allergies might find humidifiers helpful for dry sinuses. However, humidifiers can increase the production of dust in the air.

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Additionally, mold can grow in humidifier filters if they're not changed regularly.

Sleeping with a pet nearby

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Pet dander remains in the air longer and can accumulate on your carpet or comforter. 

Indoor pollen

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Also, if your pet has been outside, they'll likely pick up some pollen during their adventures. 

Symptoms can make it difficult

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Symptoms like sneezing and sniffling can make getting a good night's rest difficult.

Dust or mold in the bedroom

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Ditch carpeting or vacuum it frequently. Also, use dust mite covers for mattresses.

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Adding some extra pillows might help ease congestion and post-nasal drip while you sleep.

Use HEPA purifiers

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Consider using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove airborne allergens.

Pets

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Instead of having your pet sleeping in the same room, find a different place for them to sleep outside the bedroom.

Close your windows

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Also, sleep with closed windows to minimize how much pollen enters your sleeping area.

Allergy medications

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines and decongestants can help relieve symptoms.

Time of day that allergies peak

Sleeping position, Dust and mold, Humidifiers, Sleeping with a pet nearby, Indoor pollen, Symptoms can make it difficult, Dust or mold in the bedroom, Use HEPA purifiers, Close your windows, Allergy medications, Time of day that allergies peak

A person may have more issues with allergy symptoms during certain parts of the day, depending on their allergy type. But if your allergens are indoors, chances are symptoms get worse in the early evening onwards. 

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