Chewing gum before bed can help relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to a British health service (NHS) general practitioner.
Dr. Tim Mercer has shared some tips on how people can protect their homes from pollen and reduce nighttime symptoms as allergy season begins. According to him, many people are dealing with disrupted sleep, irritated eyes and constant sneezing during this time.
"When we inhale allergens like pollen or dust mites, our immune system overreacts by releasing histamine. This causes symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes," he explains.
According to the doctor, histamine levels naturally rise at night, worsening symptoms just as we're trying to sleep. Meanwhile, pollen easily clings to clothes, hair, and sheets, creating an invisible source of irritation.
Dr. Mercer points out that some simple changes to your daily routine can help. For example, using silk pillowcases instead of cotton ones can help reduce the buildup of allergens like dust mites.
He adds that even using an acupressure mat or chewing gum before bed can help relieve nasal congestion.
"Chewing gum before bed can help clear airways and reduce nasal congestion because it stimulates saliva production and swallowing, which can help flush out allergens," he explains.
More than 10 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from hay fever, and tree pollen levels have already started to rise. Grass pollen is also expected to increase later in the year.
A similar number of people also suffer from allergies to dust mites, which are among the leading causes of year-round irritation indoors.
Dr. Mercer also suggests that drinking green tea in the evening may help, as it contains natural antihistamines. Conversely, drinking alcohol can worsen symptoms because it increases histamine levels in the body.
He recommends that people start “allergy-proofing” their homes as soon as the season starts. A few simple steps can make a big difference, such as vacuuming more often and washing sheets at 60°C to reduce exposure to pollen and dust.
Another tip is to take a shower before bed, so that pollen is removed from your body and hair and does not transfer to your pillow during the night. It is also recommended to keep windows closed as much as possible, as open windows allow pollen to enter the house.
According to experts, the concentration of pollen in the air is usually highest in the early evening hours, which can worsen symptoms.
"Small changes like these can make a big difference for allergy sufferers, especially during periods when pollen levels are at their highest," concludes Dr. Mercer. /GazetaExpress/
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