Did you know? Roughly a quarter of US adults have seasonal allergies, including tree and grass pollen, ragweed, and mold spores.
It’s tough to keep seasonal allergens in check to get a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, with regular cleaning and dusting and a well-maintained HVAC system, you can sleep better without living in a bubble!
Learn how to sleep better despite the Gaithersburg area's early and extended allergy season with helpful tips from Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
What Causes of Bedroom Allergies?
Most adults are allergic or sensitive to a mix of indoor and outdoor irritants. Outdoor allergens are brought into your home on your clothes, through your HVAC system, or through an open window. Indoor allergens, like dead skin cells, hair, pet dander, and mold, slough off or originate indoors.
Read more: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
How to Sleep Better with Allergies
If you’re experiencing sleep-limiting allergies in the bedroom, follow these tips!
1. Outside Clothes Stay Out
Individuals with severe allergies should avoid bringing pollen into their bedrooms on their clothes. When you get home, remove your outer clothing at the door and put it straight in the washing machine.
2. Wash Your Hands and Body
During the height of spring bloom and when the leaves fall, allergens can coat outdoor surfaces. Touching items like car handles and mailboxes transfer these contaminants to your hands. Wash your hands immediately upon returning home, and avoid touching your face until they’re clean. If you’ve been outside for a while, consider showering and blowing your nose to eliminate pollen from your skin and hair.
3. Dust Regularly
We spend a lot of time in our bedrooms, and because they usually get little airflow or ventilation, dust accumulates quickly. During allergy season, vacuum and dust your room once a week to prevent dander buildup.
4. Turn On Your Heating or AC System
Running your HVAC system during the height of allergy season can help filter the air and prevent the spread of allergens throughout your home.
Remember to replace your HVAC’s air filter every one to three months. During peak allergy season, a one-month frequency will maximize air filtration. Check your owner’s manual or contact Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., to see if a HEPA filter is compatible with your system. A well-maintained HVAC system is your best defense against allergies!
5. Add an Air Purifier
Place a portable air purifier in your room and run it during the day. Look for an air purifier with aHEPA filter to trap small particles like dust and pollen.
Allergies and Sleep: Why It’s So Hard to Get Shut-Eye
You may find that your symptoms worsen at night. Allergies often become more severe in the evening due to the body’s increase in histamine production and your increased exposure to allergens present in the bedroom. For some individuals, simply lying down can worsen symptoms because of the structure of the airway.
Does Sleeping with a Humidifier Help Allergies?
Using a humidifier while sleeping may help alleviate symptoms for some individuals, but it is not a universal solution. Excessive humidity may exacerbate allergy symptoms, particularly those sensitive to mold and dust.
What Is the Best Temperature and Humidity for Sleeping?
The ideal temperature and humidity for sleeping are 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit, and indoor humidity is 30% to 50%. The EPA recommends keeping your home within these ranges while regularly cleaning and maintaining its HVAC system.
Reclaim Your Sleep with Gaithersburg’s HVAC Experts
Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. provides trusted home services to Washington, DC, Bethesda, and surrounding areas. Our skilled technicians offer affordable and reliable HVAC services to keep you and your family comfortable, no matter the season!
Contact us online or call 301-719-3315 to schedule an appointment!