“The UK has some of the highest prevalence rates of allergic conditions in the world, with over 20% of the population affected by one or more allergic disorder.” – M. L. Levy (2004). This statistic shows that allergies are common, and it’s no wonder they’re impacting our sleep and overall comfort! Poor sleep can also have a negative impact on our work performance. One way you can improve your chances of a good night’s sleep while living with allergies is to choose hypoallergenic bedding; it helps to reduce symptoms and in turn, allows you to drift off with ease. Let’s dive into the key benefits, and why you should invest in hypoallergenic sheets!
Allergies and Their Impact on Sleep
So, what is an allergy? They are defined as ‘a damaging immune response by the body to a substance to which it has become hypersensitive’. There are plenty of common allergens around, including certain foods but also dust mites, pollen, pet dander, fragrance, chemicals and more. Allergies can be diagnosed through various tests, as well as any reactive experiences you may have had.
Allergies, like many things, have an impact on your sleep. You might notice that you struggle to breathe as easily, or your skin becomes itchy and irritated. This can prevent you from dropping off, or wake you up resulting in disrupted sleep and tired mornings. A lack of sleep can lead to feeling irritable, getting poorly, and even increase your risk of serious diseases. Allergies are stressful enough as it is, so coupled with poor sleep you can run the risk of really suffering with your mental health. This is why it’s so important, as an allergy sufferer, to do what you can to get a good night’s sleep!
What is Hypoallergenic Bedding?
One big recommendation for allergy sufferers looking to improve their sleep is hypoallergenic bedding. This refers to bedding that is made with allergy-friendly materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton, linen and silk. Avoid anything synthetic and opt for natural fabrics, as these are much kinder to your skin and health.
There is a difference between hypoallergenic and regular bedding. Hypoallergenic options tend to be softer, and they are able to create a barrier between you and any pesky allergens. Hypoallergenic bedding tends to be made using a low-impact production process, using materials that are naturally obtained and without using harsh chemicals. The benefits are abundant; not only are these bedding choices kinder to your skin and a lot more breathable, a lot of them tend to be thermoregulating too so you’ll fall asleep at just the right temperature. Furthermore, these natural options and materials are better for our planet too!
What are the key Benefits of Hypoallergenic Bedding?
Let’s dive a little deeper into all of those incredible benefits and see why hypoallergenic bedding is the best choice for you, your body and your sleep.
Reduction of Allergens
Hypoallergenic bedding minimises your exposure to common allergens such as dust mites, pollen and pet dander – this is because these materials are resistant to these allergens, blocking them from getting to you as you drift off. One of the most effective materials is bamboo, which is why it works so well for bedding, pillows and more. Wrapping up in a bamboo duvet is such a dreamy way to sleep, and it’s so good for you too!
Improved Sleep Quality
Reducing your exposure to allergens leads to better sleep quality – you’ll fall asleep quicker and easier, stay asleep, and feel overall more well-rested when you wake up in the morning. According to a Web MD article about dust mite-proof covers, “dust mite covers really work. One study found that some kids with asthma need less asthma medicine when they use mattress and pillow covers. Tests of their mattresses showed that dust mites colonies there dwindled.” This leads to a more peaceful sleep and a healthier life.
Enhanced Comfort and Breathability
Because hypoallergenic fabric tends to be more breathable, you’ll sleep a lot more comfortably too. This breathability keeps you at a stable temperature and prevents overheating, which feels much better during the night. Being soft on the skin and ultra gentle are more comfort factors of hypoallergenic bedding!
Durability and Maintenance
Hypoallergenic materials tend to be a lot more durable than other (synthetic) materials, meaning they last a lot longer – this results in years of comfortable, safer sleep which your body and bank account will thank you for. It’s also a win for the environment, as it means less bedding heading to landfill. You should wash hypoallergenic at a low temperature to avoid damaging it, and dry however is best for you; if you have allergies, it might not be worth hanging it up outside where it can attract pollen and other outdoor allergens.
How to Choose the Right Hypoallergenic Bedding
When it comes to investing in bedding to help your allergies, there are a few things to consider. Choose which material works for you, and try to find the highest quality of that material. Look out for any certifications linked to hypoallergenic bedding and allergies in general such as OEKO-TEX or any awards from allergy associations. Read customer reviews, and of course consider brand reputation when shopping for bedding.
There is plenty of hypoallergenic bedding on the market, from small independent brands to the big hitters like Dunelm; one of the best choices is Panda’s Cloud Bamboo Duvet, which is hypoallergenic thanks to the bamboo fill and cover. It is also breathable, thermoregulating and really lightweight while remaining cosy and snug. What more could you ask for in a duvet?
Additional Tips for Allergy Sufferers
First things first, you need to ensure your bedroom is an allergy-free environment for you. Keep it clean, tidy and dust-free by making sure everything has a place, vacuuming regularly, and wiping surfaces with a natural cleaning product a few times per week. This maintenance will reduce the prevalence of allergens within the bedroom, and help you sleep a lot more easily!
Think about any lifestyle changes that can help; taking antihistamines each night before bed is a good option, and steering clear of your known allergens where possible is a must. Look into whether a dehumidifier or air purifier might make a difference in your room, and if you’re not allergic to pollen then definitely keep your windows open to circulate some good old fresh air.
Hypoallergenic Bedding for Allergy Sufferers
Helping you breathe easier, and feeling much nicer on the skin, hypoallergenic bedding is a great option for those suffering with allergies and looking to improve their sleep. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great option if you notice that your struggles keep you awake at night. Sleeping better can improve your overall health, so it’s really important that you find something that works for you. Whether you choose bamboo, linen, organic cotton or silk, switching to hypoallergenic sheets, duvets and toppers can really make a difference to how well you drift off at night!
