SEPTEMBER 26, 2007Provided by RealAge.com

Why Fall May Rob You of Sleep

70% of users found this article helpful.
Fall means earlier sunsets and turning leaves. But less sleep?

Absolutely, if the dust, mold, and pollen of fall make you sneeze. Allergy sufferers are much more likely to have sleep problems compared with other people. (And you thought it was the Benadryl making your eyelids droop!) Here's a breathe-easy battle plan for getting through the season -- and the night.

The Ripple Effect
As if the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes weren't enough trouble . . . a full 44 percent of allergy sufferers wake up feeling tired despite getting a full night's sleep. Compared with allergy-free folks, severe allergy sufferers are also much more likely to experience headaches, anxiety, and depression. (Do you have seasonal allergies? Answer these questions to see if your symptoms fit the bill.)

See your doctor about your allergies, if you haven't already. In the meantime, here are some self-care tips that may help keep symptoms under wraps:
  • Shower before bedtime to avoid bringing pollen to bed.
  • Get a good-quality indoor air cleaner, and change or wash the filter at least once a month.
  • Close your doors and windows and use forced air/heat to keep pollen outside. (Learn about your local pollen counts.)
  • Avoid hanging clothes to dry outside.
For tips on sleeping better, read this article.

RealAge Benefit: Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night can make your RealAge as much as 3 years younger.

Honeywell Air Purifier Try It:
Breathe easier knowing the Honeywell HFD-010 QuietClean Compact Tower Air Purifier removes 99 percent of harmful indoor dust, pollen, tobacco smoke, cat dander, and mold spores from the air that passes through it.


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