{"id":25868,"date":"2024-04-08T09:00:19","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T09:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/?p=25868"},"modified":"2024-04-09T18:48:29","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T18:48:29","slug":"why-are-allergies-worse-at-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/why-are-allergies-worse-at-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Allergies Worse At Night?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many people, allergies aren&#8217;t just a problem during the day; they&#8217;re also their worst enemy at night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s strange that allergy sufferers&#8217; symptoms get worse at night, turning what should be a peaceful night into a battle against sneezes and snuffles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article goes into detail about the common illnesses that keep a lot of people from being at peace, including allergy symptoms that seem to get worse at night.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Do Allergies Seem Worse at Night?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s not just your imagination; allergies really can seem worse at night. There are several reasons why this occurs, and understanding them can be key to managing symptoms more effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Circadian Rhythm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Your body&#8217;s circadian rhythm\u2014or internal clock\u2014affects the production of certain hormones that can influence the severity of allergic reactions. At night, cortisol levels naturally decrease. Since cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties, its reduced presence during the night may lead to more pronounced night allergy symptoms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reclining Position<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: When you lie down, the gravitational effect on your body changes. This means that mucus may not drain from your nasal passages as effectively as it does when you are upright. This can lead to a greater feeling of congestion and an increase in postnasal drip, which can cause irritation and coughing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bedroom Allergens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Your sleeping environment might be a hotspot for allergens. Bedding can trap dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, which they have all night to wreak havoc. Being in closer and prolonged contact with these allergens can lead to an escalation in symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Temperature and Humidity Fluctuations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: At night, both the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate, potentially exacerbating allergy symptoms. Cooler night air can irritate sensitive airways, and indoor heating can lower humidity levels, causing dryness in the nasal passages and throat.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Late Phase Responses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Allergic reactions happen in two phases\u2014the immediate response and the late phase response. The latter can occur 4 to 8 hours after exposure to allergens, which, for many people, coincides with nighttime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Outdoor Allergens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: For those allergic to pollen, the late afternoon and early evening can have higher pollen counts than other times of the day. While the pollen can start to wreak havoc in the evening, you might feel the full effect during the night.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By considering these factors and adapting your evening routine or sleep environment, you might be able to reduce the impact allergies have on your night, leading to better sleep and more comfortable, restful nights.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25870\" src=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1576486552.webp\" alt=\"Student is learning at home and having allergies.\n\" width=\"795\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1576486552.webp 1000w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1576486552-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1576486552-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nighttime Allergy Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergy at night symptoms can manifest differently from person to person, but at night, certain symptoms tend to be more prominent, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Watery, itchy red eyes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: As you retire for the night, your eyes may become more irritated due to the day&#8217;s pollutants and allergens trapped in your bedding or floating in the nighttime air.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sneezing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: An increased exposure to dust mites or pet dander in your bedroom may trigger a sneezing frenzy, disrupting sleep.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cough<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Postnasal drip can worsen when you\u2019re reclined, which may lead to a persistent cough that shakes you awake.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Postnasal drip<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Gravity&#8217;s effect on mucus can be more discernible when you&#8217;re lying down, causing discomfort and a bothersome drip.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Itchy nose, the roof of the mouth, or throat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Allergens can aggravate nerve endings in the mouth and throat area, especially when horizontal, compounding the itchiness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eye puffiness or dark circles<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Known as &#8220;allergic shiners&#8221;, these symptoms are exacerbated by poor sleep due to allergy flare-ups, leaving you looking as tired as you feel.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes for Nighttime Allergy Symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nighttime can transform our bedrooms into hotbeds for allergens, intensifying symptoms. By identifying the common triggers that are prominent at night, sufferers can develop strategies to mitigate their effects and reclaim the peace of their night&#8217;s rest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bedroom Allergens<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The secluded environment of a bedroom offers the perfect conditions for dust and mold to accumulate. Dust mites thrive in bedding where skin flakes are plentiful, and the environment is warm and humid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold prefers damp areas and can often be found around windows or in bathrooms, from where it can spread to adjacent rooms. Regular cleaning, using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, and ensuring good ventilation can greatly reduce exposure to these irritants.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physiological Effects of Reclining<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your body&#8217;s response changes when you shift from an upright to a supine position. Lying down can cause the mucus that naturally drains from your sinuses when you&#8217;re vertical to pool and create congestion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can lead to a sense of increased pressure and a stuffy or runny nose. Elevating the head with extra pillows or using a bed with an adjustable mattress can help alleviate some of this congestion and improve sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleeping with Furry Friends<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s comforting to have your pet curl up beside you at night, doing so can escalate allergy symptoms if you&#8217;re sensitive to pet dander.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal fur and dander can gather on bedding and furniture, exposing people to allergens constantly. For those who are allergic but still want to keep their furry companions close, it might be beneficial to set boundaries, such as placing a pet bed next to yours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollen Transfer Indoors<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollen has a sneaky way of clinging to clothes, skin, and hair and can be brought into your bedroom without your knowledge. It settles on your surfaces and bedding, waiting to trigger your allergies at night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking preventative steps like showering before bed and keeping windows closed during high pollen count times can help reduce the amount of pollen you&#8217;re exposed to during the night.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humidifier Usage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humidifiers are helpful for alleviating dryness in the air, but if not used correctly, they can pose a problem for allergy sufferers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive humidity may foster a breeding ground for mold and dust mites. Maintaining a balanced humidity level and regularly cleaning the humidifier will prevent it from becoming a source of allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25871\" src=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_627640307.webp\" alt=\"If you have allergies or asthma, take care and clean your household, beds and couches with high performance water filter vacuum cleaner.\n\" width=\"795\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_627640307.webp 1000w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_627640307-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_627640307-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Nighttime Allergens Can Disrupt Your Sleep?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The quest for uninterrupted sleep and a sneeze-free night begins with recognizing the culprits behind the sniffles and discomfort. Common bedroom allergens, often unseen to the naked eye, can wreak havoc with your sleep, and here&#8217;s what to watch out for.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust Mites<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These microscopic pests are one of the most prevalent indoor allergens. They feed on the dead skin cells humans constantly shed, which means they are usually found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Mitigation strategies include encasing bedding in allergen-impermeable covers and maintaining a clean and dust-free bedroom environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pet Dander<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If pet dander is the unseen adversary in your allergy battles, keeping pets out of the bedroom is the simplest solution. Pet dander consists of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and other animals with fur or feathers. These allergens are lightweight and can remain airborne for a long time, easily finding their way onto your bedding and into your airways.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollen Allergies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollen is not just an outdoor allergen; it can be carried indoors on your clothes or hair or by a breeze through an open window. For those sensitive to pollen, ensuring a clean transition from outdoors to bed is key. Aim for a pollen-free bedroom by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, washing bedding regularly, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mold spores are another common allergic reaction at night, especially in damp or poorly ventilated environments. Tackling mold requires reducing moisture in the air with dehumidifiers and keeping areas clean and dry. Regular inspections in places like bathrooms, basements, and windows can help nip mold growth in the bud.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cockroaches<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cockroach droppings, saliva, and decaying bodies contain allergenic proteins that can exacerbate allergy symptoms and trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. Ensuring your living space is clean and free of food debris can deter these pests. Sealing cracks and crevices and setting traps can also help reduce your exposure to these unwanted allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Allergies Impact Sleep<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only are allergies annoying, but they can also make it very hard to sleep. Having a stuffy nose, sneezing at night, and congestion are all common cold symptoms that can wake you up or make it hard to fall asleep in the first place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, allergies can make you tired during the day because they mess up your sleep cycle, which can hurt your overall health and productivity. If you don&#8217;t do anything about it, chronic sleep problems can cause serious health problems like heart disease, depression, and memory loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep Apnea and Allergies<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can allergies happen at night? Well, It might surprise you to discover a link between evening allergies and sleep apnea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/sleep-apnea\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377631#:~:text=Sleep%20apnea%20is%20a%20potentially,you%20might%20have%20sleep%20apnea.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep apnea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a serious condition characterized by pauses in breathing or periods of shallow breathing during sleep. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/nasal-congestion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nasal congestion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and swelling due to allergies worse at night can exacerbate this problem by creating obstacles in the airway, causing the quality of breathing to deteriorate and potentially leading to episodes of apnea. For those with known sleep apnea, effectively managing allergy attacks at night is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Minimize Nighttime Allergies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to reduce the impact of nighttime allergies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>They include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping your bedroom clean and tidy to reduce dust and dander.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Investing in hypoallergenic bedding.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Showering before bed to remove any potential allergens from your body and hair.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping pets out of the bedroom.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and inhibit the growth of mold and dust mites.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to See a Specialist for Nighttime Allergies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While implementing the above suggestions can help, <\/span><b>if your symptoms persist<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it might be time to seek professional help. If allergies are gravely interfering with your sleep or causing distressing symptoms such as chest tightness, severe shortness of breath, or chronic cough, don&#8217;t hesitate to seek medical advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appropriate allergy testing can help identify your specific allergens and a treatment plan can provide relief and improve your sleep quality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25872\" src=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1721308342.webp\" alt=\"Vacuuming bed. Domestic home cleaning concept. Textile sofa chemical cleaning. Upholstered furniture. Early spring cleaning or regular clean up. Cleaning Service conceptatHome, apartments, hotels\n\" width=\"795\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1721308342.webp 1000w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1721308342-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/shutterstock_1721308342-768x513.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion: The Fight Against Nighttime Allergies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter what time of day it is, allergies can be just as painful at dusk as they are at dawn. Understanding the triggers that intensify allergy symptoms during the night brings us closer to reclaiming the tranquility of our slumber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total Point ER in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/locations\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Houston Area and Dallas-Fort Worth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is your most reliable <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24-hour Emergency Room Serving Texas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We are a team of professionals standing ready to assist you in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/service\/allergic-reaction\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">emergency room for an allergic reaction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your nights don&#8217;t have to be a battleground for breathing and peace; with proactivity and the right help, sleep can once again become a time for rest and rejuvenation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many people, allergies aren&#8217;t just a problem during the day; they&#8217;re also their worst enemy at night.\u00a0 It&#8217;s strange that allergy sufferers&#8217; symptoms get worse at night, turning what should be a peaceful night into a battle against sneezes and snuffles.\u00a0 This article goes into detail about the common illnesses that keep a lot &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/why-are-allergies-worse-at-night\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Why Are Allergies Worse At Night?<\/span> Read More \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":25869,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25868"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25868"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25868\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25873,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25868\/revisions\/25873"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25869"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25868"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25868"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/totalpointer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25868"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}