If you have seasonal or pet allergies, you know how frustrating it can be to try to sleep when your nose is stuffed or your eyes are itchy. Trying to sleep with allergies can make you try virtually anything to get a restful night’s sleep. If you suffer from allergies and they’ve prevented you from sleeping in the past, you may have considered sleeping with your windows open for fresh air, but is this the best idea to battle allergies when you sleep? Here’s what you need to know about keeping your windows open while you sleep when suffering from allergies.

How Allergies Affect Sleep
Moderate to severe allergies can make it very difficult for the person suffering to sleep. Essentially, the worse the symptoms or the more severe the reaction, the less likely you are to have a restful sleep. There are several ways that allergies can affect or even stop comfortable sleep, including headaches, snoring, breathing difficulties, irritability, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

Sleeping with the Windows Open
If the effects of allergies are driving you nuts, especially during the evening, it’s most likely that you’ve tried (or have considered trying) many different remedies. One of the most common remedies for allergies is to sleep with the window open. However, while this practice is considered a good idea, for many people, sleeping with the windows open can actually worsen their symptoms and even cost them money in the long run.

Pros

• The enjoyable sensation of fresh air
• Constantly circulating air may feel soothing or cooling
• Outdoor sounds can be soothing while trying to sleep

Cons

• Sleeping with windows open risks outdoor allergens entering the home and potentially worsening symptoms
• Open windows can contribute to poor home air quality
• Open windows in either hot or cold weather can force your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, causing unnecessary wear and tear and higher energy consumption

Diminishing the Effects of Allergies when you Sleep
When it comes to achieving a good night’s sleep while suffering from allergies, it’s most likely a good idea to sleep with your windows closed rather than open. This is because open windows can allow more allergens such as pollen to enter your home, potentially worsening your symptoms and contributing to poor home air quality. For a more restful sleep with allergies, consider these tips instead:

• Showering before bed as opposed to in the morning
• Change your sheets and pyjamas frequently
• Change your air filter frequently
• Vacuum, dust, and wash textiles frequently
• Install a home air purification system
• Schedule annual preventive maintenance for your HVAC system

Interested in scheduling annual preventative maintenance?
The HVAC team at Fahrhall is here to help!

Fahrhall has been proudly serving the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions since 1967. We are committed to providing our customers and our community with reliable service and quality equipment.

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