Allergies
Added Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 at 5:45 am | View Comments
Whether you are after discounted mattresses and the cheapest beds around, or simply seeking some extra information when it comes to buying a new bed, bedstar’s Knowledgebase is packed with useful information. Our medical articles will give you the lowdown on health problems associated with poor sleep.
Allergies, and more specifically, people who suffer from allergic rhinitis (commonly referred to as hay fever) can affect the quality of sleep in some people, depending on the severity of the condition.
Allergic Rhinitis generally occurs when people breathe in particles in the air, leading to inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages. These allergens may include dust mites, pollen, moulds, or be linked to your pets. People who are allergic to these particles will have a reaction, which can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. This can affect your sleep, leading to night time disturbances and often resulting in daytime fatigue.
There are two specific types of allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis generally occurs outdoors during the spring and summer months, whilst perennial allergic rhinitis may occur all year round. The seasonal type is usually caused by airborne particles from trees or grass, whereas perennial is caused by indoor substances including pet hairs and dust mites in bedding, mattresses and carpet. Both types can contribute towards poor quality sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been linked to allergic rhinitis. OSA is characterised by difficulty in breathing and occurs when muscles in the throat relax during sleep and do not hold your airway open. OSA sufferers experience daytime sleepiness and a range of health problems including heart disease, stroke, and sexual dysfunction. The good news for sufferers is that reducing nasal congestion may lead to symptoms of snoring, daytime fatigue and OSA improving.
If you are a parent, it is wise to pay close attention to sleeping symptoms in your children if they suffer from allergic rhinitis. Snoring and other sleep problems have been linked to poor school performance, so if you notice any symptoms it’s a good idea to contact your child’s GP for more information.
For allergic rhinitis patients, it is even more important to get adequate sleep to ensure that your mental and physical performance does not suffer.
Treatment of Allergies
First of all, talk to your GP and discuss your symptoms and what triggers your allergies. Your doctor may also give you an allergy test and discuss improving your sleep, which has been shown to improve health and well-being in many cases. Many over the counter and prescription medicines are available, so your GP will advise on the best course of action.
There are also things you can do to help yourself. You can usually reduce some dust and bed mites in your bed by washing sheets in hot water once a week. Newer pillows are now also washable, and you can even by special covers for your mattress. Some are plastic based, whilst other are made from micro-weave which allow air to flow through.
Coping With Allergic Rhinitis
• Keep an eye on the weather reports and avoid staying outdoors for too long on days with high pollen counts (especially if you suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis)
• Try to keep your windows closed to avoid pollen and allergens entering the house
• If your house is damp, use a dehumidifier to help prevent mould building up
• Make sure you wash your pets regularly and avoid sleeping in the same room
• Newer vacuum cleaners are sometimes rated on their efficiency to remove allergens from the air. Ask your local electrical retailer for more information
• Make sure you vacuum regularly
• Have a shower before you go to bed. This will help to relax your nasal passages and wash pollen out of your hair and skin
Allowing time for sleep is one of the most important factors when tackling allergies. Learn more about the best way to get a good nights sleep with bedstar’s Knowledgebase – your guide to getting a better nights sleep.
When you’re done, why not search through our comprehensive range of discounted mattresses of the highest quality. If you’re not quite sure what you are looking for, check out our bed buyers guide.
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