Allergocover

Allergies and sleep - 5 tips for allergy sufferers

Restful sleep is important - in many different ways: Regeneration takes place at night, the body's functions are shut down in order to regain strength for the following day. However, if recovery is disturbed due to an allergy, you will be tired and unfocused the next morning. In order to get a deep night's sleep without sleep disturbance or sleep apnoea again, it is necessary to clarify the trigger of the allergy and at the same time provide appropriate relief - you can find out now how this works.

Sleep disorder and sleep apnoea: What exactly is sleep disorder and sleep apnoea?


In order to clarify the causes of sleep disorders and sleep apnea, the first thing you need to do is understand the terms and what is behind them - after all, what suggests something similar is not really the same thing:

A sleep disorder is a general impairment of sleep, which can be caused by various internal or external causes. Difficulties in falling asleep (=equal less sleep per night) or difficulties in sleeping through the night (=less deep sleep) lead to reduced performance, concentration problems and promote new illnesses because the immune system is weakened.

Sleep apnoea refers to a respiration-related sleep disorder. This means that breathing during sleep is difficult because the air supply via the upper respiratory tract is reduced. Frequent interruptions and even long breaks mean that the body is not supplied with sufficient oxygen.

Although both cases involve a disturbed sleep pattern, the forms and causes are different.

Sleep disorders are often triggered by allergies 
Sleep disorders can have many causes, whereby a distinction is made between psychological and physical factors. Psychological factors are for example stress, physical triggers include pain or allergies. Sleep apnoea is caused by a narrowing of the airways, which is caused by a strong slackening of the muscles - breathing becomes difficult and even stops completely for a short time. This happens especially in old age. Allergies are not a direct trigger, but an amplifier.

 

Two allergies that trigger sleep disorders most frequently

1. House dust mite allergy


House dust allergy is one of the most common allergies - many people mistakenly think that sneezing and coughing are caused by dust or that the allergy is caused by down. In fact, however, it is so-called house dust mites or their excrements that trigger an allergic reaction. House dust mite allergy would therefore be the more appropriate term in this case. Since mites mainly nest in the bed, mattress and bedding, the allergy is particularly noticeable during sleep.

 

2. Pollen allergy


The pollen flight often takes place at night, usually between two and three in the morning. If you sleep with an open window and without a pollen screen, the small particles are everywhere in the room air, on bed linen, on your face and in your hair. An allergic reaction that disturbs sleep is pre-programmed.

 

Sleep better with these 5 simple allergy tips


Allergies to the excrements of the house dust mite as well as to pollen are particularly noticeable during sleep. However, there are some simple tips to counteract this - the best five now follow:

1. Avoid dust and pollen catchers

Anything that attracts dust and pollen, or the things in which the small particles can get caught, does not belong in the bedroom.These include carpets and pets, for example. In addition, the hair should be washed before going to bed, because pollen also gets caught here during the blooming period.

2. Use pollen screens

Especially at night the pollen fly around. Anyone who sleeps with an open window should therefore install a pollen screen so that the pollen stays outside and can no longer disturb the night's peace and quiet.

3. Pay attention to bed hygiene

The bed climate and bed hygiene are very important for allergy sufferers. It is important that the mattress is dry and clean - this means for example The bed linen must be washed once a week. This will remove pollen and excrements of the house dust mite, both of which can cause severe allergic reactions. At the same time, it is recommended to air the bedding every day, as damp bedding plays a major role in the fight against dust mites and their reproduction.

4. Allergy bedding covers help against mites

So-called allergy bedding covers are a coating that makes it impossible for mites to penetrate the material - allergic reactions are avoided. The cover must of course be washed regularly. By the way: It is often said that down is not suitable for allergy sufferers - but the exact opposite is true.