With Google searches for ‘hay fever relief’ up +140 percent in the last 30 days, it’s evident the nation is conscious that hay fever season is looming. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen, yet there are many allergies that a person can suffer from, all year round, including pet fur to dust mites.

Allergies can affect sleep in several ways, causing insomnia and trouble sleeping through the night, to increased snoring and poor sleep quality.

If you are struggling to get a good night’s rest during allergy season, or if you suffer from household allergies all year-round, Silentnight has shared its expert advice on how to combat your allergy symptoms.

CONSIDER YOUR SLEEPING POSITION

Sally Bonser, spokesperson for Silentnight, said: “Allergies can impact our daily lives, however one of the worst side effects is disturbed sleep. Sleeping in an upright position can help to alleviate some of the uncomfortable symptoms you may be experiencing such as sinus pain or congestion. By stacking pillows and sleeping against them in a vertical position, gravity will act in your favour and can prevent mucus build up and feelings of discomfort.

UPDATE YOUR BEDDING

Sally adds: “Pillows can often be a magnet for dust mites and bacteria that we can’t see, and so we don’t always realise they might be causing sleep disturbance. As a result of this invisible build up, we recommend changing pillows every two years to maintain good sleep hygiene and prevent allergies being intensified during the warmer months.

“If your bedding is still in good shape but you need a bit of extra support when hay fever season is at its strongest, consider specific anti-allergy bedding. The Silentnight anti-allergy pillows are filled with anti-allergy hollowfibre that actively protect your pillows from bacteria and dust mites to help prevent allergies. The anti-allergy fibres are approved by the British Allergy Foundation, which means they have the ultimate seal of approval. The pillows are also machine washable at 40°C which means you can keep them fresh and clean for longer.”

CLOSE WINDOWS

Sally continues: “Pollen allergies can wreak havoc at night as many people choose to sleep with their windows open during the warmer spring and summer months. Although you may believe that you are helping to create airflow in the room, this actually allows pollen and hay fever aggravating particles to enter the room.

“Sleep with windows and doors closed to prevent fresh pollen from getting into your system. A de-humidifier can help to create a fresher air environment, or if the warmth of the room is an issue, consider cooling bedding for a refreshing night’s sleep.