How Fall Allergies Are Impacting Your Sleep (And What You Can Do About It)
As the crisp fall air settles in and the temperatures drop, many of us look forward to cozy nights in, bundled up with our favorite blankets and pillows. However, for those who suffer from fall allergies, this time of year can be a bit of a double-edged sword. While the season brings beauty, it also brings a whole new set of allergens that can wreak havoc on your sleep.
If you’ve ever found yourself tossing and turning, waking up feeling tired and grumpy, and wondering why your allergies seem worse at night, the culprit might just be your pillow. Let’s dive into how fall allergies affect your sleep and the steps you can take to ensure a restful, allergy-free night.
The Link Between Fall Allergies and Poor Sleep
Did you know that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and nearly 60% of people with nasal allergies report difficulty sleeping because of them? It’s no surprise that the allergens floating in the fall air—such as pollen, dust mites, and mold—can make their way into your bedroom, impacting your sleep quality.
Here’s why your pillow could be the problem:
Dust Mites and Allergens: Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments and love to hide in your pillow. These tiny creatures can trigger symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes, leaving you restless throughout the night.
Mold and Bacteria: Pillows can also become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and viruses, especially when exposed to moisture. These microbes can mix into the air, making it easier for you to breathe them in while you sleep.
Inflammation and Irritation: All of these allergens—whether it’s dust mites, mold, or bacteria—can cause inflammation, exacerbate asthma, or lead to skin irritation like eczema and dermatitis.
Common Fall Allergy Symptoms That Disrupt Sleep
During allergy season, you may find yourself battling symptoms that disrupt your sleep cycle:
Nasal Congestion: Stuffy noses make it difficult to breathe while lying down.
Itching and Sneezing: Constantly waking up to itchy eyes or the urge to sneeze is not only annoying but exhausting.
Coughing: The irritation in your throat can keep you up throughout the night.
Daytime Sleepiness: Allergies can affect your energy levels, leaving you feeling groggy and fatigued during the day.
Increased Risk of Sleep Apnea: Allergies can also exacerbate conditions like sleep apnea, leading to restless nights and more severe breathing difficulties.
How to Improve Sleep Quality with Fall Allergies
While the allergens outside your window may be out of your control, there are plenty of proactive steps you can take to reduce their impact and ensure you get the restful sleep you deserve.
Manage Allergens: Use an air purifier in your bedroom to reduce airborne allergens. You can also try using allergen sprays on your bedding to minimize exposure.
Check Pollen Levels: Stay informed by checking daily pollen levels in your area. On high pollen days, it’s a good idea to keep your windows closed to prevent allergens from entering your home.
Clean Regularly: Dust and vacuum your bedroom frequently and wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water to eliminate dust mites and allergens.
Elevate Your Head During Sleep: Try propping up your head with an extra pillow to reduce nasal congestion. This will help you breathe more easily at night.
Opt for Hypoallergenic Bedding: Choose bedding that’s specifically designed to be hypoallergenic. Look for materials that are resistant to dust mites, mold, and bacteria.
The Best Pillow for Allergy Relief: Malpaca® Hypoallergenic Pillow
When it comes to improving your sleep and minimizing exposure to allergens, switching out your old pillow for a hypoallergenic one is one of the best things you can do. Malpaca® pillows are filled with 100% alpaca fleece, a material that is naturally fire-resistant and hypoallergenic. Unlike down or synthetic materials, alpaca fleece is free from lanolin (a known allergen) and is resistant to dust mites.
In addition to being a great choice for allergy sufferers, Malpaca® pillows feature covers made from a blend of organic cotton and viscose bamboo. Viscose bamboo is not only soft and breathable, but it’s also anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and hypoallergenic. This combination of eco-friendly, allergy-fighting materials makes Malpaca® pillows an ideal choice for a better night’s sleep.
The pillows are also designed to keep you comfortable year-round, maintaining a cool temperature in the summer and providing warmth in the winter.
Final Thoughts
With fall allergies in full swing, it’s important to be proactive about managing your symptoms to improve your sleep. Whether it’s keeping your bedroom allergen-free, regularly washing your bedding, or investing in a high-quality hypoallergenic pillow like Malpaca®, there are plenty of steps you can take to rest easy this fall.
By taking the right precautions early in the season, you’ll be well on your way to sleeping soundly—and waking up feeling refreshed—no matter what allergens are floating around.
Ready for better sleep? Consider swapping out your old pillow for a Malpaca® hypoallergenic pillow and enjoy the benefits of allergy-free nights!
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