Nighttime asthma, also known as nocturnal asthma, affects millions of people. The signs of asthma include a tight chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can disrupt and lighten sleep, which makes life intolerable for many people. The following day, you experience fatigue and irritability and struggle to control your asthma symptoms.
A number of factors, including increased exposure to dust mites and other allergens, contribute to the severity of asthma symptoms at night. Additionally, flat-back sleeping makes post-nasal drip worse, which can lead to an asthma attack. These two factors may make it difficult to fall asleep.
Organize Your Bedroom
Cleaning your bedroom can lessen the effects of dust mites, a common asthma trigger, which can be common in bedrooms. Eliminating clutter and performing regular vacuuming and dusting help to improve the quality of indoor air and lower the risk of asthma attacks.
Weekly Bed Sheet Cleaning
Wash your blankets and sheets in hot water once a week, if you can. The majority of bacteria and allergens are killed by water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry your bedding on the highest setting after washing it. Any remaining allergens are destroyed and the material is sterilized by the intense heat.
The clean bedding should not be put back on the mattress until it is completely dry. Mold and mildew growth can result from wet bedding, and these are frequent causes of asthma symptoms at night.
Keep Your Mattress Raised and off the Ground
Although some mattresses can technically be used on the floor, we don’t recommend it for allergy sufferers. By putting your mattress on the floor, you’re closer to dirt, dust, and other germs that can more easily find their way into your sleeping area. You can reduce your exposure to these irritants by using a bed frame or mattress foundation. The riff-raff can be kept out with the help of a sterile mattress cover.
Keep Pets Outside
Sleeping is challenging due to asthma symptoms brought on by pet dander. Since their dander adheres to carpet and bedding, it is preferable to keep them out of the bedroom at night.
Shut the Windows
Pollen, dust mites, and even animal dander from the outside air can irritate your lungs. An asthma attack may result from this. Even if your asthma is under control, sleep deprivation can negatively affect your circadian rhythm, causing you to wake up earlier or make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Purchase Dust-Resistant Mattress and Pillowcases
Mattress and pillow allergy covers shield against dust and bacteria. In mattresses, dust mites like to hide out and can restrict your breathing while you sleep. Dust mites can’t enter your bed or pillows thanks to tightly woven allergy covers.
Position Your Upper Body Higher During Sleep
Flat-back lying can exacerbate postnasal drip and set off an asthma attack. It’s simpler to breathe while sleeping on an inclined surface with a wedge pillow or an adjustable base.
Take a Sleep Apnea Test
Asthmatics are much more likely to develop sleep apnea than healthy people. Snoring is a result of asthmatic congestion, which can also temporarily stop breathing. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea if you consistently wake up feeling worn out, irritable, and sore despite getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep.
Sleep apnea can have long-term effects like excessive daytime sleepiness and other serious medical conditions like acid reflux and insomnia if it is not treated.
