Allergies can occur at any time, day or night. Many people go throughout the entire day feeling fine. As the evening approaches, you may notice sneezing, a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and other unwanted symptoms. This can make falling asleep and staying asleep extremely challenging. You may wonder, why do my allergies flare up at night? Below you will find helpful insight into why this occurs, including what you can do about it.
Why Do My Allergies Flare Up at Night?
Nighttime allergy flare-ups are common. They occur for several reasons, including biological and environmental factors. Flare-ups at night are common. Finding the root cause can help you get the rest you need. This often includes allergy treatment and lifestyle changes to accommodate your allergies.
Circadian Rhythm
Your circadian rhythm is the internal clock that regulates sleep and wakefulness. It also controls how your immune system responds to allergens. At night, cortisol levels drop naturally. This is an anti-inflammatory hormone. When it drops at night, the body’s ability to suppress allergic reactions also drops. At the same time, histamine production tends to peak during nighttime hours. This is the chemical that is responsible for classic allergy symptoms. Symptoms include sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. The combination of reduced cortisol and increased histamine often results in allergy flare-ups at night.
Lying Down at Night
Your body position affects how allergy symptoms feel. During the day, you are often upright. Gravity helps mucus drain naturally from your sinuses. When you lie flat, drainage is not as effective. Mucus begins to pool in the back of the throat. It then leads to postnasal drip, coughing, and a persistent urge to clear your throat. Lying down also causes the small structures inside the nose to swell slightly. When the turbinate structures swell, congestion feels much more intense.
Common Nighttime Allergy Triggers
There are additional factors that lead to nighttime allergies beyond just your natural biology. When you sleep, you generally spend a substantial amount of time in the same room. This is often more than seven to nine hours of sleep. This can be a problem as the bedroom is often a high-allergen zone. Below are some of the common nighttime allergy triggers.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are a common allergy trigger. They are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm and humid environments. They are often found in mattresses, pillows, and bedding. These are ideal habitats for them, making it common for them to trigger allergies at night. When you lie down in bed, you are essentially surrounded by them. They are one of the most common indoor allergens. Maintaining a clean bedroom environment is key to reducing your exposure.
Pet Dander
Pet dander is a common allergy trigger. Even if your pet does not trigger your allergies during the day, it can cause them at night. Allowing your pet in your bedroom creates a serious, ongoing problem if you are even slightly allergic. Pet dander is tiny flakes of skin shed by animals. They easily settle into soft surfaces, such as bedding, upholstered surfaces, and carpet. Even if you keep your pet out of your bedroom, dander can still be transferred into it throughout the day. This is commonly transferred via your clothes and hair.
Mold Spores
Mold is a common allergy trigger that can affect you at night. Mold grows wherever moisture collects. Common culprits include bathrooms attached to bedrooms. Humidifiers that are not cleaned regularly can also create mold spores. These things all introduce mold spores into the air. Additionally, mold levels can also be higher at night outdoors. If you keep your windows open on damp nights, it can increase the risk of allergy symptoms for those with mold sensitivities.
How to Reduce Nighttime Allergy Symptoms
Reducing your risk of nighttime allergy symptoms is important. There are several effective strategies to ensure you get a good night’s rest. Consider the following if you struggle with allergies at night.
Focus on Your Bedding
Lying in bed for seven to nine hours exposes you to a lot if it is not clean and allergy-proof. Use allergen-proof covers on your mattress and pillows. This creates a barrier against dust mites, dramatically reducing your exposure. Wash your bedding at least weekly in hot water. This eliminates mites, pet dander, and waste particles that get into soft surfaces. If you have pets, keep them out of your room at all times. If possible, keep them outside to reduce the risk of pet dander in your home.
Air Quality
Indoor air quality can affect your allergies, especially at night. Run a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom. This filters out airborne allergens that would otherwise circulate in the room all night. Keep indoor humidity below 50%. This can be done using a dehumidifier. Eradicating the type of environment that supports dust mites and mold is key. If you have a bathroom attached to your bedroom, run the fan after showering to reduce moisture buildup.
When to Contact an Allergy Doctor
There are several effective at-home strategies to reduce your nighttime allergies. If they are not working, it may be time to consult with an asthma doctor for all ages. They can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of action. Below are some of the common symptoms that indicate you should contact a professional.
- You do not feel rested when you wake up or experience daytime fatigue
- You wake up coughing, wheezing, or with chest tightness
- You no longer get relief from over-the-counter treatment options
- Your symptoms affect your daily life, including at work or school
- Your symptoms have not improved with lifestyle or environmental changes
An allergy doctor can identify your specific triggers through various tests. From there, they can create a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
Leading Asthma Doctor
Untreated asthma can have serious health complications. If you struggle with asthma, contact Dr. Shukla at the Asthma & Sleep Institute today to schedule your appointment!
