Allergies often worsen at night due to a combination of factors. One key reason is the body's natural circadian rhythm, which influences histamine production. Histamine is a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. The body produces more histamine at night, leading to intensified allergic symptoms.
Contributing Factors to Nighttime Allergy Symptoms
- Pollen Transfer: Pollen accumulated on skin and hair during the day can transfer to bedding at night, prolonging exposure and worsening symptoms.
- Body Position: Lying down can increase congestion as mucus pools in the sinuses, making breathing more difficult and symptoms more noticeable.
- Circadian Rhythm: As mentioned above, the body's natural biological clock affects histamine release, leading to higher levels and more intense allergy symptoms during nighttime hours.
Managing Nighttime Allergies
While completely eliminating nighttime allergy symptoms may be difficult, several strategies can help:
- Shower before bed: This removes pollen and allergens from the body.
- Wash bedding frequently: This minimizes allergen exposure.
- Use allergy medication: Taking medication before bed can help reduce nighttime symptoms.
- Air purifier: Running an air purifier in the bedroom can help filter out airborne allergens.
