The spring and summer months bring sunshine, but also a lot of grief to the estimated 50 million Americans who suffer with allergies. And, of these 50 million, seventy-five percent of people with seasonal allergies report sleep disturbances because the sheer discomfort makes it hard for them to sleep. Their body is constantly waking or shifting positions to alleviate fluid build-up, plus the tendency to snore increases, which can result in up to 40 percent more subtle sleep disturbances and, ultimately, diminished quality of sleep.
Unfortunately, the bedroom is one of the most “polluted” rooms in the house and presents some especially difficult and sometimes overlooked challenges for allergy sufferers. For example, we spend long, uninterrupted hours in the bedroom, breathing in the same air. Many bedrooms are closed off and can become stagnant, away from better circulation and ventilation. Additionally, there are many opportunities for allergens to thrive in bedding, upholstery, carpeting, draperies and clothing. Also, while sleeping, we are in close, constant contact with our beds, a particularly active environment for allergens.
If you’ve woken up with congestion, watery and itchy eyes, or simply want to reduce the effects of allergens, consider the below Sleep Number tips to help rid your bedroom of allergens.
1. Clean your bedroom weekly. This includes floors, furniture, tops of doors, window frames/sills, etc. with a damp cloth.
2. Vacuum carpet and upholstery regularly.
3. Vacuum bed upholstery. Better yet, get a bed, like the Sleep Number Mattress which allows you to actually open and vacuum the inside of your bed too.
4. Wash curtains often and bedding weekly at 130+ degrees to kill dust mites.
5. Use allergen barrier covers for your mattress and pillows.
6. Undress in another room to avoid bringing outside allergens into the bedroom.
7. Keep pets out of the bedroom.
8. Keep room at humidity below 50 percent to reduce dust mite population and mold growth.
9. Regularly launder stuffed animals.
10. Use a high quality HEPA air filter in the bedroom.
If you need a new bed, consider the Sleep Number bed by Select Comfort which offers numerous advantages for allergy sufferers. Sleep Number mattresses use the latest anti-microbial treatments in all foams, and all bed covers are treated to be anti-microbial and anti-fungal. Additionally, unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, the Sleep Number bed has a unique zip-open design that allows you to easily open and view the inside of your bed, and ventilate or vacuum, if you choose. A complete line of hypoallergenic bedding accessories is also available, including bed pillows, pillow protectors, mattress pads, blankets and comforters. For more information visit Sleep Number.
