While it has been cooler this past few days in Merseyside, that hasn't stopped the pollen count affecting hayfever sufferers.
Following yesterday's high pollen count it has subsided a little with the milder temperatures.
But many still struggled to sleep at night due to any level of pollen - and that can make even the most chipper of us grumpy.
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The most common allergy in adults is hayfever, which can have many uncomfortable symptoms and a drastic effect on how you function in day to day life.
This includes disrupted sleep, with over half of adults (57%) with hayfever suffering from sleep problems, which can lead to daytime fatigue and a lower level of cognitive functioning.
To help, Alison Jones, sleep expert at Sealy UK, has shared her top tips for getting a good night’s sleep if you’re an allergy sufferer, helping you get that spring back in your step in time for sunnier months.
Wash your sheets
The majority of people wash their sheets every other week, but in the summer months, twice a month is not enough to keep allergens at bay.
In hayfever season, consider washing your sheets once a week to keep sheets free of pollen, as well as dust and other particles that might make symptoms worse.
A hot wash will also help. In a study, scientists found that washing items at hotter temperatures is more effective for removing traces of tree pollen, so when you wash your sheets, make sure it’s at a temperature of 40C or above - ideally at least 60C. [2]
Reduce your alcohol intake
It’s bad news if you enjoy a glass of wine or a pint in a beer garden during the summer months as alcohol has been proven to make the common symptoms of hayfever, such as sneezing and itching, worse.
This is because beer and wine can contain the chemicals histamine and sulphites – both of which can worsen the effects of hayfever symptoms.
The good news is that if you do want a tipple, gin and other clear spirits such as vodka don’t use any sulphites during the distillation process, meaning they are less likely to trigger symptoms.
However, reducing your intake of all alcohol is your best bet if you want a good night’s sleep while suffering from hayfever.
Reconsider your bedding
When it comes to the environment you sleep in, your mattress can be one of the biggest aggravators of allergy symptoms.
It can be hard to banish allergens for good, but a high-quality mattress marked as being hypoallergenic can help.
Try to pick a mattress which include Purotex fibres, which helps to keep your sleep environment fresh and free of allergens.
If you suffer from an allergy, Purotex fibres release friendly bacteria into the fabric to significantly reduce allergens and extend the lifespan of the mattress.
Have a night time shower
Are you a fan of a cool shower to wake you up first thing in the morning? If your allergy symptoms get worse at night, it may be worth considering shaking up your shower routine.
At the end of a long day, your hair, skin and clothes will be covered in micro-particles of dust and pollen, especially if you’ve spent long periods outside enjoying the sunshine.
A quick shower before settling down for the night can help remove these allergens before you sleep, reducing any night time symptoms.
Keep an eye on symptoms
If you have a whole host of medication to relieve your symptoms, consider when you are suffering the most and make sure you’re taking them at an appropriate time of the day.
Keep a diary of symptoms and notice the time/s of the day you have flare ups.
If night time is one of the times you suffer the most, consider taking any medication before bed so you reap their full benefits, making sure to consult your doctor before making any changes.
Reduce pet dander
Your dog or cat might make a great sleeping partner, but they won’t do your night time allergies any favours.
Their fur can be a magnet for pollen, dust and other allergens, meaning you’ll be the one to suffer when they climb into your bed late at night.
If you’re really suffering from hayfever, try putting your pet to sleep in another room for a night to see if it improves your symptoms.
