If you suffer with chronic or seasonal allergies you know that whereas the condition is often not life threatening, it can interfere with how well you live your life each day. And worse still is that after a long day of dealing with symptoms you may not be able to get a good night's sleep. Here are 3 ways allergies interfere with how much sleep you get each night and solutions that will work.
Stuffy Nose--When allergens are inhaled, the soft tissues inside the nose swell in an attempt to expel the perceived threat. The body then attempts to flush out the irritants with additional mucous. The already constricted passages can become almost completely blocked.
Your body continues to try to breathe normally, and when that is not possible sleep is interrupted each time air must be rerouted through the mouth. Breathing through the mouth causes not only the mouth to be dry, but lips and throat as well. This can leave you feeling out of sorts in the morning because of the lack of sleep, and because of the dryness.
Drainage--More frequently called post nasal drip; this is caused by excess mucous and other fluids that drain from the nasal passages down the back of the throat. This is often described as a tickle in the throat, but is a far cry from anything that would make you want to laugh.
This constant trickle of fluids can cause a sore throat, and the need to cough frequently. Constant coughing can lead to a headache making it impossible to sleep long enough for your body to really rest and rejuvenate.
Constriction of the Bronchioles--Another defense against allergens that the body sometimes uses is to restrict the allergens that go to the lungs. This is done by narrowing the bronchioles. Not only does this limit the number of allergens that can find their way into the lungs, but the amount of air as well.
Because of the constricted air passages, the body has to work harder to get the same amount of air to the lungs. So it's no wonder people who experience this condition wake up and feel like they've run a race. That's because their body has had to work harder all during the night to try to regulate the oxygen level.
These 3 symptoms discussed here are all a result of the body's attempt to prevent allergens from entering. One of the best ways to sleep better is to reduce the number of allergens in the bedroom.
Solutions include covering bedding and pillows with dust mite covers, and choosing furnishings that will allow you to thoroughly clean away allergens with regular washing and vacuuming. Using a high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) air purifier in addition to these other solutions will greatly reduce airborne allergens in the bedroom making it possible for you to sleep well each night.
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