Seasonal Allergies Interrupting A Good Night’s Rest?

Allergic rhinitis, like all symptoms of seasonal allergies, reflect a misplaced immunity reaction: a response of the immune system to substances identified as posing a threat. Many of these substances are not actually harmful (dust, pollen, pet dander). Along with the most obvious side effects of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes some people have reported interrupted sleep.

Here are a number of natural measures you can take to reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies to help promote better sleep:

• Limiting exposure is an obvious one. Although along with seasonal allergies comes nicer weather and staying indoors all day is probably out of the question for those of us who love nature.
• Avoid being outside in the early mornings when pollen count is highest, or during those high wind days when pollens are churning through the air.
• Keep doors and windows closed – this can keep pollen level lower inside your home.
• A good HEPA air filter may help, especially in the bedroom at night.
• In addition to an air filter, a humidifier may help if the relative humidity is low.
• Change your home’s air filters regularly.
• Vacuum often and eliminate wall-to-wall carpets if at all possible.
• Venetian blinds have a lot of surface area to catch pollens and dust. Clean often, or replace with shades, especially in the bedroom.
• Remove and wash clothing worn outside as soon as possible. Use a clothes dryer rather than hanging outside to avoid pollens collecting on clothing and bedding.
• Taking a steamy, hot shower before bed to clear sinuses and rinse pollen out of the hair.
• Consider herbal preparations like stinging nettle and quercetin. It’s best to start these several weeks before the season begins and continue into summer if possible.
• Try nasal douching with a warm saline solution to rinse pollen grains off delicate nasal tissues and soothe irritated mucous membranes right before bed.
• Lower the histamine intake of your diet. Alcohol and processed meats like deli cold cuts and hot dogs can add to your histamine burden. Cutting them out during this time likely has additional health benefits.

Dr. Weil also recommends mind-body interventions like hypnotherapy. He believes some allergies are a learned response of the immune system, and that anything learned can be unlearned.

Find more recommendations for addressing seasonal allergies and achieving deep sleep here.

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* This article was originally published here