Sneezing in bed is often triggered by allergens accumulating in your bedroom environment. This happens because you spend a significant amount of time in your bed, and allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores can easily accumulate in bedding, carpets, and other surfaces.
Common Bedroom Allergens and Triggers:
- Dust mites: Microscopic creatures thriving in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their droppings are a potent allergen. (https://www.thewoolroom.com/blog/is-your-night-time-allergy-really-hay-fever/)
- Pet dander: Tiny flakes of skin shed by pets, containing proteins that trigger allergies. ([Household allergens can hide in many places in the bedroom–mold on the walls, dust on the carpet, pet hair on the sheets, and more. Therefore, this environment may trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing or watery eyes. Additionally, your sleeping position could be the cause of your worsening allergies.])
- Mold: Can grow in damp areas of the bedroom, releasing spores that cause allergic reactions. ([Household allergens can hide in many places in the bedroom–mold on the walls, dust on the carpet, pet hair on the sheets, and more. Therefore, this environment may trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing or watery eyes. Additionally, your sleeping position could be the cause of your worsening allergies.])
- Pollen: While less concentrated indoors, pollen can be tracked in from outside on clothing or shoes. This is especially true in the evening, where pollen settles after a day of being airborne. (https://www.partnermd.com/blog/allergies-at-night-why-do-i-sneeze-more-at-bedtime)
Why Symptoms Worsen at Night:
- Increased exposure: You spend many hours in close proximity to bedroom allergens.
- Allergen concentration: Air circulation is often lower in a bedroom at night, leading to higher concentrations of allergens. (https://www.health.com/condition/allergy/allergies-worse-at-night)
- Hormonal changes: Some believe that hormonal changes during sleep might influence the immune system's response to allergens.
Solutions:
- Allergen reduction: Regularly clean your bedroom, including vacuuming, washing bedding in hot water, and using allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. (https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergies-bedroom)
- Air purification: Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air.
- Reduce pet exposure: If you have pets, keep them out of the bedroom, or minimize their time there.
- Manage other allergens: Address mold issues, ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control in the bedroom.
It's important to note that sneezing while in bed does not necessarily mean you're having an allergic reaction. It could be caused by irritants other than allergens. However, the most likely cause is an allergic response to the allergens listed above.
