With summer in full swing, the pollen count can play havoc with your sleep. Even storms can cause an increase in hay fever symptoms, with pollen being broken down into smaller particles, making it easier to be breathed in and make contact with your lungs. For hay fever sufferers, a good night’s sleep may feel out of the question with symptoms include a runny nose, blocked sinuses, itchy throat and mouth and watery eyes.

But, it isn’t only hay fever that can be a problem after a storm. Storm Asthma is also a worry. According to the NHS: “When pollen granules come into contact with water, the pollen breaks down into smaller particles that are released into the air, these particles are so small that when they are breathed in through the nose and mouth they can get deeper down into the smaller airways in the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. Some airborne allergens involved in thunderstorm asthma are grass and tree pollens and mould spores.”

“Most people with hay fever will feel their normal symptoms, like sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. However, hay fever can cause asthma symptoms to worsen and these weather conditions can cause even mild symptoms to become severe (such as difficulty breathing and chest tightening). So it is important to be prepared and take your allergy treatments and medications to control symptoms.”

How to make your bedroom hay fever friendly

To help the nation get a peaceful sleep in the midst of hay fever season, Christopher Heywood, director of research and sleep specialist at Longevity has revealed some of the key ways you can prepare your bedroom to eliminate the possibility of hay fever disturbing your sleep.

• Clean your bedding regularly: With the weather still feeling quite warm, windows may be open, because of this, pollen can enter your room and land on your furniture. An easy way to try and reduce the chances of the pollen coming into contact with you is by washing your bedding regularly. It may feel like a chore, but it could be the difference between sleeping soundly and struggling to manage your symptoms.
• Keep windows shut: Although it may be tempting to open a window for some fresh air or to cool down, it is advised to keep your windows shut to avoid any pollen making its way inside. Consider using a fan or air conditioning unit instead to cool the room.
• Vacuum daily: To pick up any dust or pollen that may have made its way into your house and especially your bedroom, you should vacuum daily. A quick 10 minute cleaning routine could have a huge impact on your sleep. Try allocating some time each day, possibly as soon as you arrive home.
• Avoid wearing outside clothes in bed: Pollen can attach itself to your clothes when you are outside. You should avoid sitting on your bed in any clothes you have worn outside of your home. When you get home, change your clothes. Either wash your clothes straight away, or place them in a washing basket with a lid to isolate any allergens.
• Have a shower before bed: As you are out and about, pollen can not only attach itself to your clothes, but also to your skin. Before bed, take a shower to remove any allergens from your skin. Ensure that you wash your face and hands thoroughly to deter hay fever symptoms affecting you during the night.
• Wear nasal strips for congestion: If your hay fever symptoms affect your nasal breathing at night, even with all of the precautions and available medications, you can opt for applying nasal strips when you go to bed. These strips are adhesive bands that fit across the nose, gently lifting the nasal passages- allowing you to breathe easier.