Yes, allergy symptoms get worse at night. This can happen because laying down increases congestion, you're allergic to things in your bedroom like dust mites, and you're more aware of symptoms when you don't have daytime distractions.
One of the biggest causes of nighttime allergies is dust mites - microscopic, spider-like bugs that feed on exfoliated human skin cells. These critters can be found in mattresses, pillows, bed linens, carpets and upholstered furniture. Dust mites won't bite you or harm you.
At night, the air cools down, beginning a downward drift, and the pollen then falls with the air, so this is why you are more likely to wake up with hay fever symptoms during the night.
Skin rashes, itching or hives. Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat. Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or wheezing (whistling sound during breathing) Dizziness and/or fainting.
"As a fan moves air around the room, it causes flurries of dust and pollen to make their way into your sinuses," according to Sleep Advisor. "If you're prone to allergies, asthma and hay fever, this could stir up a whole lot of trouble."
The good news is many people find their symptoms improve as they get older. Around half of people report some improvement in symptoms after several years. What's more, symptoms disappear completely in around 10-20% of people.
Hay fever typically worsens at night and feels most severe in the morning, when levels of symptom-triggering histamine are highest. Once-daily antihistamines, such as Claritin, reach their peak eight to 12 hours after you take them, so using them at dinnertime or before bed means better control of morning symptoms.
Sleeping in an upright position with your head raised is going to be the best position for tackling congestion, which can be a common symptom for allergy sufferers. Keeping your head elevated allows you to take advantage of gravity and allow mucus to drain out.
Allergies can worsen over time because, as you age, your immune system changes. Sometimes it can become intolerant to allergens it used to tolerate. Seasonal allergies can also be worse due to climate change. Climate change has lengthened pollen season, making seasonal allergies last longer.
Take Allergy Medications at Night
Many allergy medications, such as Zyrtec, are recommended every 24 hours. By taking the medication before bedtime you're more likely to get through the night without the active ingredients wearing off or becoming less effective closer to the end of the 24 hour period.
Antihistamines, mainly used to treat symptoms of hay fever or other allergies, can induce drowsiness by working against a chemical produced by the central nervous system (histamine). These medications can be useful in certain situations, such as for treating sleeplessness related to travel.
What's the best time of day to take ZYRTEC®? Any time of day works. And ZYRTEC® will continue to work for 24 hours.
Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Cetirizine is the most potent antihistamine available and has been subjected to more clinical study than any other.
There's currently no cure for hay fever. But most people can relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent. The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it's very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months.
Air conditioning (AC) can, in fact, make your allergies, asthma, and other respiratory troubles worse. They do this in a couple of ways. First, they circulate air through ductwork which often contains dust and other contaminants which contribute to poor air quality.
Keep windows closed
'You can always pull down your blinds or close your curtains to make warm rooms cooler. If you really do want to open your windows, it's best to do this at night time when pollen levels will be lower,' says Helpling, a UK-based cleaning company.
Signs include trouble breathing, pale or blue skin, hives, itching, vomiting, or anxiety. Symptoms can start within just a few minutes after you come in contact with the cause.