Unfortunately, allergies don't go away just because the sun sets. In fact, some people may feel like their allergy symptoms actually get worse at night. But you don't have to take your nighttime allergy symptoms lying down! If you find yourself wondering why your allergies seem worse at night—and what you can do about it—take a look below to see what you can do to conquer your allergies, day or night.
ALLERGIES AND SLEEP
Nearly half of all allergy sufferers
say nasal congestion is the worst aspect of their allergies at night
So why is nasal congestion worse at night?
That extra stuffiness you feel at night has a lot to do with your physical position. Lying down can make congestion feel worse, especially when you have allergies. Your circadian rhythm (your body’s clock) and your body position are also at play, making it worse when you lie down at night, as well as early in the morning.
This can make bedtime a real nightmare
IMPACT OF LOSING SLEEP
GOOD NIGHT. GREATER TOMORROW.
Quick tips to keep nighttime allergies from keeping you awake
1 Keep windows shut
2 Use thick drapes to block light
3 Wear clean pajamas to bed
4 Set the temperature around 18o C
5 Use a dehumidifier
6 Take a shower before bed
7 Use hypoallergenic bedding
8 Keep pets out of the bedroom (especially if you’re allergic to pet dander)
Is it better to use FLONASE at night?
In short, no. One daily dose of FLONASE Allergy Relief delivers 24-hour relief from your worst allergy symptoms. So even if you take it in the morning, you’re still covered for the whole night—so you can rest easy, without pesky allergy symptoms.
MORE TIPS FOR RESTFUL SLEEP
Of course, allergies aren’t the only thing that can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep! Here are some other tips to help you maximize rest, so that once you’ve put your allergy symptoms to bed, you can drift off easily and wake up feeling rested.
MAKE TIME FOR WINDING DOWN
Just as you might not always wake up in the mornings immediately ready to spring into action (hence why coffee exists!), so your brain may need a bit of time to transition from wakefulness to the land of Nod. Setting aside some time each evening—thirty minutes to an hour, for example—to intentionally disengage from the hustle and bustle of the day before heading to bed can help you feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
TRY AN ACTIVITY THAT RELIEVES STRESS AND TENSION
So, how should you spend your nightly wind-down time? Meditation can be a wonderful relaxation tool for many people, but like most things in life, it may not be to everyone’s liking. The important thing is to make sure you’re doing something you actually find relaxing—not something you think you should find relaxing. Whether that means reading a cozy novel, listening to music, journaling , or chatting with a loved one over a cup of herbal tea is completely up to you. Happy dreaming!