Cinnaminson, NJ, May 11th, 2015
People spend a considerable part of their lives sleeping. A lack of sleep can impact a person’s immune system, cause fatigue, poor performance in school or at work, increase absenteeism and even cause depression in some people. For many people who suffer from allergies, it can be a real challenge getting a good night’s rest when symptoms flare up.
Taking over-the-counter medicines or prescription drugs can help, but also minimizing exposure to allergens in the bedroom and even the bed itself can make a difference too. Here are some tips for reducing exposure to these common allergens.
- Dust mites thrive in warm and humid environments and are often present in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric and fabric-covered items. Regularly clean pillow cases, sheets and bed coverings in hot water and use high heat to dry them to kill and remove dust mites. There are also special dust mite covers for bedding materials, which may be beneficial.
- Dander from pets can cause allergies, so avoid allowing pets in the bedroom and do not allow them to sleep on the bed.
- If cockroaches are present, treat and clean the home because many people are allergic to their body parts and waste.
- Mold thrives in conditions with high humidity or due to water damage. In fact, mold can begin to grow in as short as 48 hours on many materials when conditions are suitable.
- A cool and dry environment helps most people sleep and helps to minimize dust mites. An air conditioner or a dehumidifier can help achieve a conducive sleep environment.
- In some regions, primarily during the winter, adding moisture with a humidifier can help with dry skin and respiratory issues when the air is exceptionally dry. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the device clean and prevent mold and bacteria from growing in it or making the room too humid.
- Regularly change out the home’s air filters and, if necessary, consider using a separate air cleaner for the bedroom.
- Pollen is a common allergen, so keep plants out of bedrooms and windows closed when there are high levels of outdoor pollen. Also, shower before going to bed to rinse off any pollen.
- Regularly vacuum using a machine with a HEPA filter and don’t forget to dust. Also, clean items that may hold large amounts of dust such as window curtains, which are often overlooked.
- Stuffed animals in a bed can contain allergens such as dust mites, so frequently wash them and perhaps minimize the number allowed.
- Some people may be allergic to feather pillows and feather beds, so consider allergen-resistant bedding options.
- Use environmentally friendly fabric detergents with no scents or fragrances as some people can react to common chemicals and fragrances found in popular detergents.
“For those who suffer from allergies, knowing what allergens are present in the home can allow for steps to be taken to minimize exposure and to manage the condition,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer testing services and sampling kits that test for a wide range of these allergens. The kits are easy-to-use and provide rapid results that can help improve allergy sufferers’ quality of life.”
The EMSL Mold and Allergen Test Kits can be obtained at: www.EMSLTestKits.com. EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video with information about indoor allergens and sleep tips for allergy sufferers. It can be seen at: http://youtu.be/wQul4sBhOiw
To learn more about this or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.