Skip to NavigationSkip to Main ContentSkip to Footer

Fall Allergies and Getting Your Sleep

Many think of allergies hitting hard in the spring when nature is in bloom, but things associated with fall are just as problematic for plenty of people who suffer from fall allergies.

While many of us might welcome the appearance of pumpkins, Halloween costumes and colorful foliage this time of year, fall allergy sufferers might be more concerned about autumn’s common allergens – mold found under fallen leaves and ragweed pollen.

Adults and children who have seasonal allergies know the symptoms, but some people who’ve never had allergies before can develop them and may not realize what’s going on when they get the runny nose, itchy eyes or scratchy throat.

And those symptoms are even more annoying when they prevent you from getting the sleep you need.  Here are a few things you may need to know about allergies and how to deal with them so you can get a good night’s rest:

Adult on-set allergies can happen. While most people develop allergies by the time they are in their early 20s, some people actually develop allergies later in life. Not common, but it does happen. Interestingly, one of the reasons for adult onset of allergies is due to less exposure to outdoor seasonal allergens. Allergy and immunology doctor at Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy in New Jersey said that much of the immune system is developed as children but does change constantly. If your immune system does not get regular exposure to outdoor allergens, they may respond to them as foreign agents, triggering the allergy symptoms.

Beware of ragweed.  The big fall time trigger for allergies is ragweed, a yellow flowering weed that blooms in August but causes allergic symptoms well into fall. Did you know that a single ragweed plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen per season? About 75% of people who have springtime allergies will also be affected by ragweed pollen.

Indoor and outdoor triggers. Mold and mildew can grow year-round inside and outside of the home. In the fall they grow under fallen leaves and compost piles so take care to rake those leaves and keep compost or other yard waste piles as far from the house as possible. Indoors, mold and mildew can be found in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. It’s recommended to use a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity between 35 and 50 percent. Clean bathrooms and kitchens with vinegar or other anti-mildew agents on a regular basis.

Remove pollen. You can minimize allergens exposure by removing shoes and clothes after spending a lot of time outside or doing yard work. Taking a shower at night and washing your hair helps remove pollen. Allergists also recommend rinsing your nose and eyes with saline and wiping your eyelids with baby wipes during peak pollen season.

Elevate your head at night. One way to alleviate the congestion caused by respiratory allergies is to prop your head up will pillows at night just enough to get gravity working for you. Careful not to make it too high that it causes stress on your neck and spine.

Allergy treatment. When allergies are severe or problematic enough, the best thing to do is seek treatment from your doctor or allergist for over-the-counter or prescription medication and possibly even shots.