Anyone who suffers from respiratory allergies knows that the night is not always a time to rest. There are days when you just have to lay your head on the pillow for your nose to clog and sneezing to start. It seems that the body chooses exactly this time to manifest symptoms. And this feeling has an explanation.
At night, the body goes through natural changes. The production of cortisol, a hormone that helps control inflammation, decreases. This makes the immune system more “free” to react to allergic stimuli, which can worsen symptoms of rhinitis and asthma. Furthermore, the lying position facilitates the accumulation of secretions in the airways and increases the feeling of congestion.
“Often, the patient notices a worsening of symptoms at night also because they are a little more relaxed, without the distractions that occur throughout the day. Furthermore, there is an important factor that can influence the worsening of symptoms: the sleeping position itself”, explains Fausto Yoshio Matsumoto, coordinator of the Scientific Department of Rhinitis at ASBAI – Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology.
When lying down, nasal or lung pain may worsen. When the body is in this position, there is a natural redistribution of blood, and the head region receives a greater flow. This increase causes the vessels in the nasal mucosa to fill up more, causing swelling and making it difficult for air to pass through. In those who already have rhinitis, this effect becomes even more evident.
“For those with asthma, lying down can increase the resistance of the lower airways, which contributes to the feeling of shortness of breath”, details allergist Brianna Nicoletti.
Another nocturnal villain is the internal environments themselves. The bedroom is usually one of the places with the highest concentration of dust mites, dust and mold, enemies of those who have . Mattresses, pillows and blankets accumulate microparticles that, over time, become real deposits of allergens. Even air conditioning can contribute to worsening symptoms if the filter is not cleaned frequently.
To sleep better, it is important to take care of the environment and create a hygiene routine that reduces contact with allergic triggers. Using anti-mite covers on pillows and mattresses, washing bedding frequently, avoiding carpets and curtains and keeping the environment ventilated can help. Humidifiers and air purifiers also help, as long as they are cleaned regularly.
“The room needs to be well ventilated and free from objects that accumulate dust, such as carpets, heavy fabric curtains and stuffed animals. Pets should not sleep in the room”, adds Nicoletti.
But it is important to remember that, in the case of symptoms of shortness of breath when lying down, a medical evaluation is necessary, considering problems other than allergies, such as sleep apnea and heart failure.
