Can air quality affect allergies, and does it have anything to do with sleep disruption? Research shows that air pollution affects human health and is strongly linked to sleep quality and duration.
If you’ve always wondered whether the air in or outside your home has anything to do with allergy symptoms and sleep quality, this article is for you. We explore the allergy air quality connection and share practical advice to ensure healthy living at home.
What is the Allergy Air Quality Connection?
An allergy refers to when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen), such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. When a person with allergies encounters an allergen, their immune system considers it a threat and releases chemicals to defend the body.
This immune response can trigger various symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and skin rashes. Depending on the individual and the allergen involved, discomfort and allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe.
Exposure to poor air quality increases the chances of triggering the body’s immune response to irritants in the air. In other words, air pollution can worsen allergy symptoms, especially for individuals with existing respiratory problems and those who experience seasonal allergies. That’s because air pollution introduces additional irritants into the air, aggravating their existing allergic reactions.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that continuously breathing polluted air can increase allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms, especially during the grass pollen season. This can lead to sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy throat, all of which can impact sleep quality.
However, allergies are not limited to certain seasons; poor air quality, both outdoors and indoors, can trigger allergies and health issues throughout the year and make life difficult, even for individuals without a history of allergies.
Poor indoor air quality due to dust, inadequate ventilation, or allergen buildup can worsen allergy symptoms, especially for those who spend a chunk of their time indoors. And enjoying a restful slumber may be difficult if you spend the night breathing polluted air.
Common Allergens and their Impact on Air Quality
Now that we’ve covered the allergy air quality connection, here’s a quick rundown of common allergens and their impact on air quality:
Pollen
Pollen is a tiny substance containing plant reproductive cells. It is released into the air during specific times of the year and carried by the wind for long distances, making it one of the most prevalent outdoor allergens. When pollen levels are high, it can significantly impact outdoor air quality and trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, even in urban areas with less greenery.
Dust Mites
These tiny creatures feed on dead skin cells, commonly found in bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpets. These microscopic bugs and their droppings are potent allergens that can become airborne through daily human activities like vacuuming or making the bed, leading to air contamination.
Mold
Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and humid environments, such as indoor spaces with poor ventilation, water leaks, or high humidity levels. When mold spores are released into the air, they become airborne allergens that negatively impact the air quality inside homes and buildings.
Pet Dander
This refers to tiny particles from animal fur or feathers. Pet dander contains proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. And because it is airborne, pet dander can easily circulate throughout the home, affecting indoor air quality even in areas where pets are not allowed.
Air Pollutants
Outdoor air pollutants, like vehicle emissions, industrial fumes, and particulate matter, can also worsen allergies and impact overall air quality. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system and make individuals more susceptible to allergens.
7 Ways to Improve Air Quality for Better Sleep
Eliminating sources of pollution is one of the most effective ways to improve air quality, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends. However, removing all allergens may not be feasible, especially in outdoor environments.
Some simple changes can significantly improve indoor air quality, leading to healthier living at home, reduced allergies, and improved sleep experience. Here are some practical tips to achieve cleaner air in the home and enhance sleep quality.
1. Use an EnviroKlenz Air System
The EnviroKlenz Air System Plus is an effective choice for those aiming to eliminate allergies in their home. The Air System’s HEPA filter is 99.99% effective in capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns, removing even the tiniest of allergenic particles and other sleep disruptors from the air.
EnviroKlenz goes the extra mile to truly eliminate allergens by combining the EnviroKlenz Air Cartridge with a HEPA filter to deliver pure, clean air. Each Air System features our patented FAST-ACT technology, that effectively eradicates harmful VOCs, pathogens, fragrances, and other contaminants that might slip through even the most high-performance HEPA filters.
Working together, the HEPA filtration and FAST-ACT technology of an EnviroKlenz Air System ensures better breathing for a more restful sleep.
2. Use Hypoallergenic Bedding
Opt for hypoallergenic bedding, pillows, and mattresses to prevent the buildup of dust mites and other allergens in your sleep environment.
3. Keep Your Home Clean
Regularly clean and dust your home to minimize allergens and irritants. Vacuum with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles effectively. Remember to wash bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly in hot water to eliminate dust mites and allergens.
4. Use Eco-friendly Cleaning Products
Use non-toxic laundry detergent for washing clothes and choose eco-friendly cleaning products when cleaning surfaces. Remember to steer clear of products with strong chemicals that may release harmful fumes into the air. Always opt for eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain a healthy indoor environment with a reduced number of pollutants.
5. Avoid Smoking Indoors
It’s important to mention the impact of smoking when discussing the allergy air quality connection. Smoking indoors releases harmful chemicals and particulates, severely impacting indoor air quality. Keep your home smoke-free to protect your respiratory health.
6. Keep Doors and Windows Closed During Pollen Season
Ensure to keep your doors and windows closed, particularly during peak pollen season, to prevent pollen and other outdoor allergens from entering and spreading throughout your home.
If ventilation is a concern, consider alternative methods, such as window screens or filters. Better still, you can use a high-quality HEPA air purifier to capture and eliminate pollutants that may find their way into your home.
7. Prioritize Pet Care
If you have pets, groom them regularly and bathe them to minimize pet dander in the air. Also, designate pet-free zones in your home, especially in the bedroom.
No doubt, these tips can help you breathe cleaner air to embrace healthy living at home, and, in turn, relieve allergies and improve sleep. However, it is best to consult your doctor if allergy symptoms persist or if you have recurring sleep problems.
Say goodbye to allergies with clean air
Reducing allergies and improving indoor air quality is essential for healthy living at home, and you can achieve this with the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus.
The Air System Plus is carefully engineered to capture and deactivate mold spores, pollen, and various allergy triggers found in any indoor setting through our cutting-edge FAST-ACT technology, helping you breathe easier and enjoy a more allergy-free home. It comes with a first-rate HEPA filter, UVC germicidal irradiation bulbs, and a high-quality Air Cartridge for unrivaled performance.
With our HEPA air purifier in your indoor space, you can take a proactive step toward minimizing allergy symptoms, ensuring a breath of fresh and allergen-free air for you and your loved ones.
Say goodbye to sneezing, sniffles, and discomfort, and say hello to a cleaner, fresher, and more allergen-free home environment with EnviroKlenz.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
Breathe in the good – we’ve got the bad covered
Our clean air products filter out the bad stuff – viruses, allergens, dust, and mold – and deactivate these toxins for good, leaving behind purely fresh air in your home, office, and beyond.
EnviroKlenz® Medical Disclaimer:
“Any information that is provided on this website is not for the use by any commercial or personal entity without expressed written consent of the blog author. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Nor does the author in any way guarantee or validate the validity, totality, or efficacy of any claims and will therefore not be held responsible for the content of any claims. Always consult your medical physician for any specific medical advice or recommendations.”
