How to Sleep Better at Night During Allergy Season

More than 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies each year, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, which can cause a litany of symptoms ranging from snuffed noses and sneezing to coughing and asthma. These symptoms can make it difficult for you work and function during the day and can keep you up at night. If you're having trouble getting the proper amount of sleep because of allergies, here are five tips that can help you.

Use the Air Conditioning
Shut the windows and turn on your air conditioning at night. This will help keep out common allergens like pollen and mold. It's also beneficial to use your car air conditioner when traveling to and from work during peak allergy season. It can reduce your exposure to pollen.

Exercise at Right Time
Seasonal pollen from grasses and trees usually peaks during late morning and early afternoon. That's why it's best to run or play outside sports either late in the afternoon or evening. Exercising at the proper time can better control the pollen you breathe, minimizing your symptoms at night.

Shower Before Bed
A warm shower before bed can relax you and even enhance your sleep. But more importantly, showering removes the pollen, mold and allergens on your skin and in your hair. Try using eucalyptus oil on a bath mitt with some unscented soap. Eucalyptus can open up your sinuses and help you breathe more freely, which will help you sleep better.

Run an Air Purifier
HEPA and ionic air machines can work wonders in isolating your room from any mold or pollen that seeps into your house. They also control dust and reduce airborne irritants, such as smoke and cleaners, from family members or housemates -- all of which can adversely affect your sleep.

Use a Nasal Spray
When choosing a nasal spray, use one that blocks histamine like Dymista, which is known to relieve symptoms and inflammation in as little as 30 minutes. This brand is safe for people from six years old to adult. Most histamine-blocking nasal sprays are used in the morning and at night, keeping common allergy symptoms under control.

Half the battle in getting a good night's sleep during allergy season is minimizing your exposure to allergens. And an effective nasal spray can control the allergens that you are exposed to. Start using some of these suggestions and see for yourself how your sleep improves.