Written by Natalie G., Writer

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In This Article

Learn more about the impact allergies can have on sleep.

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If you find yourself struggling to navigate better sleep with allergies, we’re here to help. An allergic reaction is one of the many ways people can lose out on valuable sleep, and the bed space you occupy could, in fact, trigger allergy symptoms or ideally, help prevent them.

By understanding the relationship between allergies and sleep, you’ll be better equipped to help improve both. In this article, we’ll provide you with an in-depth overview of allergies and sleep, including sleep issues that can arise from allergies, the allergens that most commonly affect sleep, and useful tips for sleeping better with allergies.

How Allergies Impact Sleep

If you’re one of the more than 100 million people^[1] in this country who deals with allergies each year, you know how difficult they can make your daily life, let alone your sleep. Common symptoms of allergies include coughing, sneezing, hives, rashes, itchy eyes, runny nose, and scratchy throat. These things are hard enough to deal with during the day, but for many folks with allergies, symptoms tend to get even worse at night.

This can be because of allergens present in the bedroom or on the bedding (like dust and pet dander), or because of the position you’re in. When we lie down on our backs, for example, blood flow increases to the head, which, unfortunately, also increases congestion^[2].

To top it off, certain allergy medications can also interfere with sleep, so it’s no surprise that people with allergies often report trouble falling or staying asleep, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and snoring^[3].

What Sleep Issues Can Allergies Cause?

• Trouble falling or staying asleep – People with allergies are more likely to have trouble falling or staying asleep through the night3. This can be caused by increased congestion, which makes it harder to breathe, causing the body to wake up, or it can be caused by a persistent cough through the night. Either way, these unpleasant symptoms make for a restless night’s sleep and can lead to daytime drowsiness^[4] and decreased cognitive function the next day.
• Insomnia – With insomnia, you’ll have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, getting good quality sleep, or some combination of the three. Research^[5] shows that allergy symptoms like nasal congestion can lead to insomnia, which then has an impact on a person’s cognitive, mental, and physical health.
• Obstructive sleep apnea – Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. When you sleep, the muscles in the back of your throat relax, but for people with obstructive sleep apnea, the relaxing of the throat muscles leads to airways that are too tight to let in enough air. For those with congestion, this is much more likely. The result is, the body wakes up suddenly throughout the night in order to breathe normally again.
• Snoring – Snoring^[6] is common, and most people will snore at some point or another. Like obstructive sleep apnea, snoring is caused by the muscles in your throat and mouth relaxing as you sleep, which for snorers, leads to a partially blocked airway and the noise that comes with it. This is more likely to occur for those with allergies, who will have congestion or inflammation in the throat and nasal area. Explore our picks for the best mattress for snoring.

Top Allergens that Impact Sleep

Dust Mites

Dust mites^[7] are microscopic bugs, closely related to ticks and spiders. They live off of skin cells that people shed, and if that’s not terrifying enough, they tend to thrive in warm, humid environments, like bedding, furniture, and carpet.

The enzymes in both their feces and their hard shells are what cause allergy symptoms^[8], including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, itchy nose, cough, etc. Dust mites can also contribute to asthma symptoms7.

If you’re allergic to dust mites, getting rid of them is the place to begin treating your allergies. According to the American Lung Association^[9], the best way to get rid of these tiny bugs is to wash your bedding in hot water once a week and reduce clutter like pillows and stuffed animals. You can also reduce the humidity in your home, replace old carpets, and vacuum and dust regularly. Getting rid of dust means getting rid of dust mites.

Pollen

Many people with seasonal allergies are reacting to either pollen or mold in the air. Pollen is that fine, yellowish powder that we see floating through the air or dusting our vehicles in the springtime. It is essentially how trees, grass, and weeds procreate, sending their tiny pollen grains out into the world.

Unfortunately, this essential part of nature can cause allergy symptoms^[10]in humans (and other animals) like sneezing, congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and wheezing. This happens because when pollen enters your body, the immune system^[11] can mistakenly identify it as a threat. The chemicals your body releases in response can lead to those common symptoms.

Pet Dander

Pet dander is dead flakes of skin on your pet – most commonly, a cat or a dog. When we have a pet dander allergy, our immune systems are reacting to breathing in that pet dander, identifying it as a threat, and again, trying to attack that threat. This can lead to symptoms^[12] like sneezing, runny nose, itching, nasal congestion, watery eyes, cough, facial pressure, and asthma.

Mammals, including people, are constantly shedding dead skin^[13] and fur (or hair), so you really can’t do anything to stop your pet from doing this. Luckily, there are certain allergy medications that you can take to minimize symptoms, and you can adopt certain breeds that shed less, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic12. Also, if you want to help prevent your children from developing pet allergies, research shows that exposing them to pets early on should help.

Mold

There is always some level of mold^[14] in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. This only becomes a problem when mold levels are high, or when people have hypersensitive immune systems. In this case, their immune system will once again register the mold as a threat, and try to attack it.

Symptoms of a mold allergy^[15] include coughing, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and dry skin. Some people experience symptoms year-round, and others experience them only during certain times of the year (for example, when it’s damp outside) or in spaces that have high concentrations of mold.

Household Product

According to the American Lung Association^[16], certain household and cleaning products include harmful chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Some of these products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature, and they are dangerous for our health.

Some common products that include VOCs and other toxic chemicals include air fresheners, aerosol sprays, chlorine bleach, certain detergents and dishwashing liquids, dry cleaning chemicals, rug cleaners, furniture and floor polish, oven cleaners, and even soaps, shampoos, and conditioners^[16]. Studies^[17] show that early exposure to these sorts of chemicals can even cause lifelong asthma and respiratory issues.

Cockroaches

A cockroach allergy is very similar to a dust mite allergy. Roches’ saliva, feces, and shedding body parts can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms^[18] like coughing, congestion, skin rash, wheezing, ear infection, or sinus infection. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 63 percent of homes in the U.S. have cockroach allergens, a number that goes up to between 78 and 98 percent in more urban areas^[18].

Cigarette Smoke

According to the Advanced ENT and Allergy Center^[19], cigarette smoke is not technically an allergen like mold or pollen because it doesn’t trigger the immune system. However, it is certainly considered an irritant as it can cause symptoms that mimic allergies like difficulty breathing, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing.

Research^[20] shows that these sorts of allergy symptoms are higher for both those who smoke and even those who don’t smoke but are breathing in the smoke second-hand. In fact, research shows a connection between second-hand smoke and asthma^[21] in children.

Tips to Improve Sleep with Allergies

1. Consider a New Mattress & Bedding

ou can wash sheets in hot water to get rid of dust mites and pet dander, but after so many washes, sheets can accumulate detergent buildup and feel hard, and the detergent may even contain harmful chemicals, which can worsen allergies on their own. Mattresses can also play host to dust mites and pet dander, but you can’t wash those in hot water.

This is just one reason you might want to consider replacing your mattress after about seven years. Plus, there are hypoallergenic mattresses and bedding for those who are more prone to allergies.

2. Use an Air Purifier

An air purifier can help remove pet dander, pollen, dust, and any airborne particles with a size of .3 microns.

You should keep in mind, though, that most types of air purifiers are not effective at treating allergies, even if they advertise that they are. In fact, there is no scientific evidence that ionizing purifiers using UV are effective for allergies or that they even work to kill bacteria. These “ionic electrostatic” room cleaners can actually make allergies worse, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology^[22], and not changing the filter regularly (on any type of purifier) can also make allergies worse.

The only type of air purifier that has been shown to be effective^[23] at helping allergies is one with a HEPA filter.

3. Keep Pets Out of Your Bed

We’d never recommend getting rid of your beloved pet because of allergies, but one thing you can do is keep them from getting in your bed. At least this way, pet dander won’t be in the space where you sleep.

For dogs and cats that are used to sleeping in the bed, it will probably take some training to get them to stop. You can start out by creating an equally cozy space for them to sleep, outside of the bedroom at first, so they don’t jump up onto the bed. You may have to deal with some barking or meowing outside of your door during this transition period, and eventually, you may be able to move their dog bed back into the bedroom, just not on the bed, depending on how trainable your pet is.

If you feel guilty about keeping them out of the bedroom, you could also try having them sleep in a crate and make it nice and cozy for them. This way, they can at least be in the same room with you but not directly on your bed.

Read our full guide on sleeping with pets for more helpful details.

4. Keep Your Windows Closed

Keeping the windows open can feel wonderful on those cool spring nights, but it can also let in a consistent flow of pollen and mold. If you want to minimize your exposure to these allergens, we’d recommend keeping your windows closed during the day and night.

5. Shower Before Bed

Showering before bed will help remove any outdoor allergens from your body before you climb into bed. It’s also a good reason to get into some fresh pajamas rather than any clothing you were wearing outdoors before you go to sleep.

6. Double Down on Your Cleaning Routine

If you’re like most people, you probably do a light clean of the house every week or two; perhaps a deep clean once every month or so. If you have allergies, though, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology^[24] recommends that you clean more thoroughly. Specifically, they recommend mopping the floors and wiping down surfaces for dust with detergent and water once a week.

You can also encase pillows and cushions in dust-mite-proof covers, wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water once per week, and vacuum once per week as well. If that’s not enough on your to-do list, the AAAAI also suggests washing your pet twice a month.

7. Consider Allergy Medication

Allergy medications are a helpful option to continue living a normal life without being ruled by allergy symptoms. Some common types of allergy medications^[25] include antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, decongestants, corticosteroids, inhalers, skin creams, and allergy shots.

Some antihistamines (like Benadryl) can cause drowsiness, so be sure you’re taking it at night only. Other allergy medications (like Claritin-D) can cause insomnia^[25]. That’s why it’s important to research the medication and talk to your doctor before taking it.

8. Talk to Your Doctor

If allergies are impacting your sleep and interfering with your life, the best starting point is to talk to your doctor. They may recommend over-the-counter allergy medications, allergy tests, natural remedies, or lifestyle changes, but they should be able to guide you more specifically, knowing your individual circumstances. After all, allergy remedies are not one size fits all.

Our Final Thoughts

Living with allergies can be difficult – especially if you happen to be allergic to a furry member of your family or the very city in which you live. Luckily, there are a variety of ways to improve the symptoms of allergies and mitigate exposure to the allergens themselves, so you don’t have to totally upend your life or move to the desert.

We recommend starting with the basics: keep your windows closed at night, keep the house clean, make sure you’re replacing your mattress about every five to seven years, and of course, talk to your doctor if allergies are impacting your quality of life.

Natalie G.

Writer

About Author

Natalie is a content writer for Sleep Advisor with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.

Combination Sleeper

Sources and References:

• [1] “Allergy Facts”, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Last modified March 2024.
• [2] Roithmann, Renato., Demeneghi, Pedro., et. al. “Effects of posture change on nasal patency”, National Library of Medicine. 2005.
• [3] Liu, Jiaomei., Zhang, Xinge., et. al. “The association between allergic rhinitis and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies”, National Library of Medicine. 2020.
• [4] Koinis-Mitchell PhD, Daphne., Craig DO, Timothy., et. al. “Sleep and allergic disease: a summary of the literature and future directions for research”, National Library of Medicine. 2012.
• [5] Craig, Timothy J., McCann, Jeffrey L., et. al. “The correlation between allergic rhinitis and sleep disturbance”, National Library of Medicine. 2004.
• [6] “Snoring”, Mayo Clinic. Last modified December 22, 2017.
• [7] “Dust Mite Allergy”, Mayo Clinic. Last modified July 31, 2021.
• [8] “Allergy to Dust Mites”, Nationwide Children’s. Last modified October 2018.
• [9] “Dust Mites”, American Lung Association. Last modified November 30, 2022.
• [10] “Pollen Allergies”, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Last modified April 23, 2018.
• [11] “Allergens and Pollen”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified August 21, 2020.
• [12] “Pet allergy”, Mayo Clinic. Last modified August 4, 2021.
• [13] “How does skin work?”,  National Library of Medicine. 2009.
• [14] “Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last modified November 14, 2022.
• [15] “Mold allergy”, Mayo Clinic. Last modified June 21, 2021.
• [16] “Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals”, American Lung Association. Last modified November 17, 2022.
• [17] Abrams MD, Elissa M. “Cleaning products and asthma risk: a potentially important public health concern”, National Library of Medicine. 2020.
• [18] “Cockroach Allergy”, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Last modified February 1, 2018.
• [19] Menachof, Ryan. “Can You Be Allergic to Cigarette Smoke?”, Advanced ENT & Allergy Center. 2021.
• [20] Pavlovic, Tanja., Nagorni, Ljudmila., et. al. “Passive smoking may influence respiratory allergic reaction”, European Respiratory Journal. 2011.
• [21] Ciaccio MD, Christina E., Gurley-Calvez PhD, Tami., Shireman PhD, Theresa. “Indoor tobacco legislation is associated with fewer emergency department visits for asthma exacerbation in children”, Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2016.
• [22] “Air Filter”, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Webpage accessed May 6, 2024.
• [23] “What is a HEPA filter?”, United States Environmental Protection Agency. Last modified March 13, 2024.
• [24] “Cleaning Tips for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers”, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Last modified September 28, 2020.
• [25] “Allergy medications: Know your options”, Mayo Clinic. Last modified March 5, 2022.

The post How Do Allergies Affect Our Sleep and How to Fight Them? appeared first on Sleep Advisor.

Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

We’ll explain the causes of latex allergies, signs and symptoms and what to avoid when looking for a mattress.

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Latex is a premium material with an ideal combination of responsiveness, support, and contouring, all while avoiding the hazards of different types of foams.

The material is also resistant to allergens like dust mites, mildew, and mold.

However, if you have an allergy to latex itself, this could be problematic. Before you go out and buy a brand new mattress, you should first determine if you have a latex allergy.

In this guide, we’ll help you navigate through your purchase of a latex mattresses and allergies, including how common these allergies are, who typically has them, and what you can do if you are a part of this group.

Conclusion

If you’ve never experienced a latex mattress, you could be in in for a treat.  However, allergies shouldn’t be taken lightly either. Your best bet is to be safe as you try to achieve better rest.

Consult with a doctor if you think you may have a latex allergy. If you find out you do, the good news is that there are plenty of wonderful mattress options out there to help you get a great night’s sleep. Memory foam provides nice contouring like latex, while hybrids and innersprings have the buoyancy that latex offers. With an abundance of choices, you are sure to find your perfect bed.

Jill Zwarensteyn

Editor

About Author

Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.

Combination Sleeper

The post Latex Mattress Allergies – A Complete Guide appeared first on Sleep Advisor.

Disclaimer - Nothing on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment... Read More Here.

Written by Rachael Gilpin, Content Writer

Our Testing Process

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.

In This Article

It’s difficult to rule out precisely what you’re allergic to, but if you think you’re sensitive to memory foam, we’ve created a list of ways to rule it out.

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Allergies can cause enormous discomfort for many individuals, and they can be challenging to single out and identify. Reactions range from mildly irritating to life-threatening conditions, so it’s critical to keep them well-managed for our health.

Allergic reactions occur when your immune system recognizes an otherwise harmless substance as an “invader,” causing your immune system to trigger a response. When your body confronts these “intruders,” it creates the reaction as a method to rid itself of these substances.

Unfortunately, some beds are made with materials that aren’t conducive to everyone’s sensitivities. Below, we discuss memory foam and its allergic inclinations, so you can pick a perfect bed for your needs.

How Can a Memory Foam Mattress Cause an Allergic Reaction?

There are numerous ways allergic reactions can be triggered. Particular smells can be irritating; accumulated dust can cause a response, and even the materials that make up the foam itself can be an issue. Below we’ll talk a bit about the various ways allergies can be caused and what you can do to mitigate or possibly eliminate the problem.

The Smell

Many beds can produce a scent due to the materials and chemicals comprising the product. The smell is often referred to as off-gassing. A smell and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are created when these disperse out of the mattress.

These substances have been known to cause allergic reactions in some cases. When looking to buy a mattress without any of these substances, be sure to read the label thoroughly. Additionally, upon finding out you already have a bed that contains these ingredients, an organic or 100% cotton mattress topper could act as a barrier and mitigate these effects.

The Foam Mattress Chemicals

Many foam products contain chemicals that could be harmful to some individuals. Various beds are made with chemicals to create products at a lesser cost, financially benefiting the manufacturer. When mattresses are packaged, particularly the bed-in-a-box type, this can create a hotbed of condensed chemicals, and once unboxed, are emitted into the environment.

Lawsuits have been filed against the Tempurpedic memory foam’s harmful VOCs and the allergic issues they’ve caused. If one of the many individuals who prefer a bed without these chemicals, take a careful look at the materials it’s made with and do your research to be confident of what they are.

Get More Info: Toxic Materials in Foam Mattresses

The Dust

Dead skin cells cover just about everything in your home because we’re constantly shedding. Humans are known to shed 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells each hour, and dust mites live by eating dead skin cells. As a result, dust mites thrive because they have an abundance of nutrients.

Dust mite excretions are often what trigger allergic reactions, not necessarily the dust mites themselves. Your body can detect these as harmful substances, creating antibodies as if you have a disease and cause redness or puffy eyes as a result. These critters love living in mattresses because we spend so much time there, so they’re nearly impossible to avoid.

Memory Foam Mattress Allergy Symptoms

Symptoms can show up in many ways. However, there are a few that tend to be more common than the rest.

Nausea

Nausea is when you feel an uneasy sensation in your stomach, which can include vomiting. When battling regular nausea, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to your mattress. You can try to mitigate this by buying a new mattress or using an organic cotton protector or perhaps even a latex topper.

Irritated Nose

Having a painful nasal cavity may be the most common allergic reaction. We often experience this during seasonal changes, when trees and flowers begin to bloom, or when we’re confronted with a substance that our body believes to be an intruder; these could include cat hair, dust mites, or dander.

Dizziness

Another symptom of an allergic reaction could be dizzy spells. Chemically induced dizziness can lead to fainting, headaches, or vertigo-like symptoms. If you notice this happening regularly, or mainly when you’re at home and near your mattress, your bed may be the culprit.

Rashes

Rashes and hives are a clear indicator of an allergic reaction. These can range from mild to severe. However, regardless of the severity, they’re often itchy and uncomfortable. Due to the visible red skin symptoms, rashes are easy to detect, whereas an irritated nose could be attributed to many causes.

How to Avoid a Reaction if You are Allergic to a Mattress

There are a few ways you can mitigate allergic reactions when you find yourself sensitive to your mattress. When purchasing a bed in a box, allow it to off-gas for a few days longer than recommended, this will enable it to release any additional undesirable chemicals and pests.

Further, if you already have a bed that you aren’t ready to replace, throw a mattress protector over it that’s made from organic material. You can often find ones made of organic cotton, which could provide a barrier, mitigating allergic reactions. Be sure to wash your protector regularly and the mattress cover if it’s removable, which will minimize dander, dust, and other potential allergens.

Additionally, try to keep pets off the bed. With fur babies in the house, it can be difficult to tell them no; however, they could be carrying an abundance of foreign critters that could be causing or exacerbating your condition.

What Are Some Memory Foam Mattress Alternatives?

A great way to prevent symptoms is to avoid harmful materials or memory foam altogether. Searching for organic, toxin-free beds is an effective way to solve these issues and find some relief. Keep an eye out for hypoallergenic materials or organic brands that consider allergies, asthma, or intolerances.

To get you started, we’ve compiled guides for the best mattresses for allergies and the best organic mattresses.

Further, adding an organic latex mattress topper could provide an effective barrier between you and your mattress. A topper could prevent you from breathing in allergy-infused air, easing your reactions without compromising the pressure relief of your bed.

Additionally, using a standard coil mattress is a great alternative to foam, and these often provide just as much if not more comfort and durability. Be mindful these can harbor just as many mites. However, they could offer an additional option in terms of materials to suit your needs and accommodate asthma or allergies.

If you’re sure you need a more aggressive approach, we recommend trying out a mattress protector that fully encases your bed to trap dust mites or harsh smells without missing out on the comfort you like.

Conclusion

Dust mites will always be ever-present guests in our home. However, how we manage them can be changed to suit our needs. If you suffer from chronic allergies, there is a possibility it could be your mattress, so keep a close eye on how you react—whether or not you experience allergies inside your home or continuously outside as well.

If you believe your mattress is the cause of your discomfort, there are ways to mitigate this issue. Remember our tips and tricks for creating a better sleeping arrangement for yourself, and hopefully, you’ll be sleeping with ease in no time.

Rachael Gilpin

Content Writer

About Author

Rachael is a content writer for Sleep Advisor who loves combining her enthusiasm for writing and wellness.

Back Sleeper

The post Memory Foam Mattress Allergy Symptoms – What Are the Most Common Ones? appeared first on Sleep Advisor.