Household Allergens and Your Sleep
Much like seasonal allergies, reactions to household allergens can cause issues such as sneezing and nasal congestion. It can also lead to inflammation within your nasal cavity. When these nasal passages get irritated or inflamed, it may require more effort just to breathe. That can make getting a good full night’s sleep difficult, if not impossible. Identifying what household allergens may be causing your reactions is the first step to feeling better.
What Household Allergens Could Be Affecting your Sleep?
Airborne Mold Spores
There are several things that could be at fault for your sleep disruptions. Mold, dust mites, pet dander and chemical irritants are often to blame. Mold spores can breed wherever there is moisture. Bathrooms are likely the most common place for mold growth, but it can thrive any place that is wet. Humidity in the bathroom after showering can seep into crevices of tile and trim and lead to mold. If you have leaks under the kitchen sink or in the laundry room, they can go unnoticed. If you think you might have household allergens that are keeping you up at night, check places like this for mold.
Pet Allergies
Household allergens cause allergic reactions. So, if you have a pet and have what you think might be a reaction, you might be allergic. The severity of your reactions should be monitored. If you just get the sniffles from your pet’s constantly shedding skin cells and fur, there are some things you can try. First, bathe your pet regularly. Second, maintain some space that is off limits to your pet; specifically, your bed and other furniture. Lastly, make sure you clean areas your pet has access to regularly, vacuuming up any loose fur. The trick is to reduce pet dander exposure.
Dust Mites
Wheezing and difficulty breathing could also be caused by dust mites. These tiny bugs live in household dust and are a very common household allergen. You may have dust mites on your sheets and pillowcases or even living inside your mattress. Skin cells are shed when we sleep and since these creatures eat dead skin cells, that’s a common place for them. You won’t see dust mites because they are microscopic. You can, however, protect yourself from this household allergen by taking the following precautions. Wash your bedding in hot water once a week to kill any dust mites that linger in it. Purchase a dust mite cover and use it as a barrier between any dust mites in your mattress and you.
Exposure to chemicals can cause respiratory problems. You don’t have to work in a chemical plant to suffer either. They are found in cleaning agents used in the home, candles, perfumes, cosmetics and more. Chances are, something in your house exposes you to chemicals. Unplug air fresheners, limit candle use and ventilate when you clean. These are just a few ways you can minimize contact with chemical household allergens.
Tips to Limit Household Allergens
- Change your air filters to prevent recirculating allergens.
- Fix and clean up leaks right away to prevent mold.
- Adequately ventilate when using chemical cleaners.
- Utilize the bathroom fan while showering to reduce moisture.
- Use hot water to wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases weekly.
- Give your pet(s) a bath on a regular basis.
If you suspect something else may be causing your symptoms, consult a physician. If household allergens are the problem and you eliminate the possible culprits, your symptoms will likely improve. You’ll breathe easier and sleep better.
