Can't sleep because of allergies?

If allergies are keeping you up at night, you are not alone. 

According to webmd.com, 36% of those with allergic rhinitis reported insomnia. Only 16% reported insomnia without allergic rhinitis.

The first step is to identify what is keeping you up throughout the night. Once you know what is causing your sleep problems, you can start to address them.

Here are some questions to consider.

• Are you sneezing and coughing constantly?
• Do your eyes itch and water?
• Are you having trouble breathing?

If you have determined that allergies are causing your sleep problems, here are several tips to follow in order to get better sleep if you have allergies.

• Use a nasal saline rinse or spray before bed to clear your sinuses. This can help result nasal congestion during sleep which will moisten the nasal lining and keep mucus loose.

• Do your best to keep your bedroom clean and free of allergens.

• Take your allergy medications at night – by taking your allergy medication at night it can help assure that the allergy medication will be circulating in your blood stream while you sleep.

• Invest in a good quality air filter for your bedroom. Allergens can often trigger sleep-disruptive symptoms. Quality air filters help you sleep better by removing the allergens indoors.

• Wash your bedding frequently. Dirty bedding can lead to allergy symptoms and additional hygiene-related issues. If you have allergies, washing your sheets 3-4 is recommended.

Sleep is essential for good health, so don't let allergies keep you from getting the rest you need.

Following these tips can help you get the rest you need, even if you have allergies. If your allergies are severe, please make sure to talk to your doctor.