Anna Maria Richards
Many different types of allergens in the environment can trigger a response from your immune system, but some have more serious effects. These allergens can disrupt sleep, and some people are more susceptible than others.
These allergens can disrupt your sleep: by causing you to wake up during the night or by causing an allergy symptom, such as itchiness or stuffiness, that makes it harder for you to wake up during the night and get back to sleep. Unfortunately, many of the most common allergens are indoor ones, making it hard to avoid them completely. The following are some of the most common types of allergens that can impact your sleep and cause you to suffer from a sleepless night.
1. House Dust Mites
This is a common allergy that most individuals often ignore but can seriously affect people who have it. You don’t notice these dust mites when they’re present, but their presence can cause you to wake up many times during the night. House dust mites are particularly prevalent in homes with pets, especially cats. This can cause problems sleeping through the night, especially if your mattress or sheets are contaminated with their feces. By keeping your home clean, including other areas of your home such as your mattress and pillows, you can keep these allergy triggers from disrupting your sleep.
2. Mold
Mold can often be found in the houses of older adults, and it can cause sleep disruption for these individuals. The allergens in mold can irritate your eyes and your respiratory system, causing you to awaken more frequently than you should. Certain types of allergies can be linked to mold, so this type of allergy could occur because of the mold. For example, you’re allergic to indoor molds, but you’re allergic to outdoor molds as well. This makes it difficult to determine which type of mold is bothering you. If you suspect that the mold is the culprit, it’s best to contact a professional to determine whether or not it is causing concerns for you.
3. Pollen
During the spring and summer months, pollen is one of the most common allergens that can cause sleep disruption. This is especially troublesome for people with hay fever or contact allergy to this allergen. When you have a pollen allergy, your nose and throat become irritated more easily than they should. Because this type of allergy can be linked to mold, it’s worth keeping a close eye on your home’s mold level. This mold can increase your discomfort during the pollen season. Because pollen can also be found in outdoor environments, it’s best to stay indoors during the spring and the summer months to avoid the effects of pollen on your sleep.
4. Pets
Several types of pet allergens can cause sleep disruption for people with these types of allergies. The dander from dogs and cats can be one of the most common allergens linked to sleep disruption. Pet hair can also be a problem if you’re allergic to it. Pets allowed inside the home should always be bathed regularly, and their bedding and toys should be washed regularly because the allergens can build up on these surfaces. It’s also a good idea to keep your pet away from bedding and accessories.
5. Medicines
Many medicines can have the side effect of causing you to feel sleepy during the night. This is especially true if you’re taking more than one medication. The insomnia caused by these sleeping medications are often linked to a sensitivity to the ingredients of these drugs that cause it, so being careful about how many medications you take and only taking them when necessary will help. You may also want to consider using a medical home guard on certain medications to help prevent you from developing an allergy to them. This type of allergy is often linked to a sensitivity to the active ingredients in the medication. Sometimes, you may have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in these medications even though you’re not experiencing symptoms.
6. Cockroach Allergens
Cockroach allergens can be found in the home or restaurants, but they are particularly problematic in homes with a large infestation. If you have cockroaches in your home, you’re likely to have a persistent problem with asthma or allergies. The allergens that cockroaches leave behind can make you feel uncomfortable while trying to sleep. Cockroach allergens can be found in your home, even if you don’t have a cockroach problem. The allergens from these insects can eventually build up on various surfaces and irritate your skin or eyes. It’s also worth taking measures to keep these allergens out of your home. The best way to do this is to contact a professional pest control company that will treat your home with an effective roach-killing solution.
7. Dust
Dust can also be a major source of allergens that can cause sleep disruption. This is especially bothersome if you have hay fever because your allergies are likely to flare up when your nose is irritated by dust. Dust can also cause eye irritation, and it’s associated with the presence of mold. Whether you suffer from allergies or asthma, your nasal passages and respiratory system may be irritated when the dust is present. When you have a dust allergy, it’s a good idea to clean your home thoroughly regularly. Vacuuming regularly can help keep the dust levels in your home low, but dust-proof covers for electrical outlets and other areas of your home may be necessary.
7. Pollution
Air pollution can also be a major source of allergens that cause sleep disruption. Whether you live in a city or near an industrial area, air pollution can impact the quality of your sleep. The allergens in polluted air can cause problems with your throat, nose, and eyes, especially if you have asthma or a sensitivity to mold. If you live in a polluted area, it’s best to try and avoid taking walks outside or exercising outdoors when the pollution levels are high.
Sleep disruption is a common problem that can affect your daily life and make you feel tired or exhausted. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may not be able to function at your best. If allergies cause your symptoms, it’s important to identify the cause of the allergy and find ways to treat it, such as visiting ENT doctor in Philadelphia PA. Because different allergens affect different people differently, knowing which allergens are a problem for you can help you find a solution.
