Why Do My Allergies Get Worse At Night?
Having allergies can be an annoying and disruptive condition, especially if it gets worse at night. Many allergy sufferers experience difficulty breathing, tossing and turning, and difficulty getting the deep, sound sleep they need.
However, why do allergies usually worsen at night? Readers can take proactive measures to manage their allergies better and increase the quality of their sleep by being aware of the factors that trigger allergies at night. Allergy sufferers can find relief with the right strategies and feel refreshed instead of miserable.
This article examines the main reasons why allergies often worsen at night and provides valuable advice for reducing allergy symptoms during the night.
Reasons Why Allergies Can Worsen at Night
Due to their harmful effects on general health and ability to disrupt sleep, allergies can be problematic for many people at night. Understanding why allergies worsen at night is essential to control symptoms and increase sleep.
✓ Increased Exposure to Allergens
One of the main reasons why allergies become worse at night is due to increased exposure to allergens. Spending too much time in bed exposes you to common household allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
These microscopic particles can settle on carpets, bedding, and other surfaces as you breathe in them throughout the night, causing allergies.
✓ Biological Factors
An additional factor in nighttime allergy flare-ups is circadian rhythms and hormonal changes. In the evening, the production of some hormones, including cortisol, decreases in the body.
Being a natural anti-inflammatory, low cortisol levels at night can increase allergy symptoms and inflammation. Additionally, the release of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions, may be affected by the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which may worsen symptoms at night.
✓ Environmental Factors
Changes in environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air quality can also cause allergies during the night. Pollen and other airborne allergens can become concentrated indoors when temperatures drop in the evening.
Changes in humidity can create a favorable environment for the growth of dust mites and mold. Additionally, because there is less ventilation at night, allergens become trapped indoors, and exposure levels can increase, leading to a deterioration in indoor air quality.
Tips to Alleviate Nighttime Allergy Symptoms
Since allergy symptoms often worsen at night, leading to poor sleep and general health, nighttime can be challenging for many allergy sufferers. Thankfully, there are several tips you can use to reduce allergy symptoms and encourage good sleep at night.
Bedroom Allergen Control
By implementing allergy control measures, you can significantly reduce the triggers you are exposed to in your bedroom.
Consider using bed covers that have anti-allergic properties to create a barrier against dust mites and other allergens. Vacuum and clean surfaces frequently to get rid of accumulated allergens. If you are allergic to pet dander, pets should not be allowed in the bedroom.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Even minor lifestyle changes can have a significant impact. By showering right before bed, you can help keep allergens off your skin and hair and prevent them from getting on your linens. Indoor air quality and humidity levels can be controlled using an air purifier or humidifier.
Additionally, changing sleeping positions to elevate your head may help with common allergy symptoms, such as post-nasal drip and nasal congestion, during the night.
Medication and Treatment Options
Medications available over-the-counter and through prescription can help reduce allergy symptoms at night. Antihistamines can reduce runny nose, itching, and sneezing by blocking the effects of histamine.
While nasal sprays can relieve specific nasal symptoms, decongestants can help reduce nasal congestion. Immunotherapy, including allergy shots or drops, is a long-term management option that can gradually reduce the severity of reactions by desensitizing your immune system to particular allergens.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Knowing when to seek professional help when experiencing allergy symptoms is essential for efficient management and relief. While over-the-counter medications can help manage mild allergy symptoms in many cases, some cases may require professional intervention.
✓ Interference with Daily Life
If allergies at night significantly reduce your ability to sleep, affecting your daily activities and productivity, it is essential to see an allergist. Chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased productivity due to insufficient sleep can significantly negatively impact your general health.
By receiving accurate diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional, a high quality of life can be restored, and complications from long-term allergy symptoms can be avoided.
✓ Severe Symptoms
Never ignore allergy symptoms, especially if they point to a potentially fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience symptoms such as wheezing, throat swelling, or trouble breathing.
Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal condition that requires immediate epinephrine treatment as well as additional medical attention. Do not wait to seek medical help if you encounter these symptoms.
✓ No Relief from OTC Medications
Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays may temporarily relieve mild allergy symptoms. However, a professional evaluation is necessary if persistent or severe symptoms persist and do not improve with these medications.
In such situations, talking to an allergist at Juniper Allergy can be helpful as they can pinpoint the exact allergens causing your symptoms and suggest appropriate, individualized treatment plans. Our allergists can also provide bespoke therapies such as immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops) for the long-term management of allergies.
Juniper Allergy: A team of board-certified Allergists!
Our staff at Juniper Allergy are experts in offering personalized treatment for a variety of allergy conditions, such as food allergies, seasonal allergies, and asthma. With a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to fostering positive patient relationships, they can help you determine your triggers, efficiently manage your symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.
Don’t let allergies that wake you up at night disrupt your daily schedule and sleep. Use the advice provided to get control of your allergy symptoms and seek a professional when necessary. With the right strategy, you can get the rest you deserve, breathe more efficiently, and sleep better.
Contact us now to get the best possible care for yourself!