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Sleeping With A Fan On Can Trigger Hay Fever Symptoms, Experts Say

Sleeping With A Fan On Can Trigger Hay Fever Symptoms, Experts Say

This actually makes a lot of sense...

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

Hay fever sufferers know summer is their nemesis.

Pollen from grass, trees and weeds are at their highest levels, making it a nightmare for those allergic to the stuff.

But did you know that a simple household appliance could be making your hay fever a whole lot worse?

Sleeping during summer heatwaves (like we're experiencing this week) can feel impossible without the aid of a fan, but experts are warning that turning yours on at night might be responsible for making your allergies worse.

Fans circulate allergens around the room at night (
Pxfuel)

Airborne allergens expert, Max Wiseberg, explained to Tyla: "Dust, pollen and other airborne allergens in your bedroom will eventually settle on surfaces.

"So when you turn on a fan it whooshes the air around the room which, as well as making you feel cooler, will whip up all the allergens, get them into the air and then blow them right at you.

"This can trigger an allergic reaction for people suffering with hay fever or a dust or pet allergy. It can also trigger asthma.

"These allergens are also kept continually circulating in the room by the fan, making sure you continue to breathe them in all night!"

No exactly what you want to hear as a sufferer... but don't worry, there are some steps you can take.

Hay fever affects sufferers more in summer (
Unsplash)

To combat pollen, dust and pet allergens flying around your bedroom at night, Max recommends stepping up your cleaning game in the summer months.

"Clean all surfaces with a damp cloth so there are less particles around to circulate in the air, and vacuum all floors regularly," he says.

"Allergens such as dust mites can cling to a ceiling as well as fans, so vacuuming your ceiling and ceiling fan regularly with a brush on a pole is important."

If you're still finding your hay fever flaring up even after cleaning, another option is to keep cool without a fan. Some people swear by freezing your bedsheets as a hot weather hack.

Another alternative is to prevent pollen, dust and pet allergens getting into your body through use of allergen barrier balm - Max recommends HayMax which is organic and drug-free.

Hay fever is the wooorst, but at least we know how to fight it.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels

Topics: Life News, Health