A neuroscientist has warned 16 million Brits in particular
A neuroscientist and sleep researcher has issued a warning to people across the UK this week.
She particularly spoke to the 16 million Brits who suffer from hay fever during the summer months. The Met Office has predicted a “very high” pollen count across the West Midlands and southern England this week as temperatures are set to climb into the mid-30s.
Laura Bojarskaite from the University of Oslo has cautioned people with allergies against hanging their bed linen outside to dry during the heatwave.
“During periods of high pollen counts, bedsheets, pillowcases and blankets left to dry outdoors can collect pollen grains,” she said. “Bringing those sheets into bed means you’re introducing allergens directly into the environment where you spend seven to nine hours every night, potentially prolonging exposure and worsening symptoms while you sleep.”
This has a damaging impact on sleep quality. “Hay fever can significantly disrupt sleep, and poor sleep can in turn make allergy symptoms feel even more difficult to cope with,” Laura, whose research has been published in leading journals like Nature Communications, explained. “This creates a vicious cycle during allergy season.”
The symptoms of seasonal allergies, such as blocked noses, sneezing and itchy eyes, can make it more difficult to drift off and remain asleep. “Nasal congestion is particularly problematic because it increases mouth breathing and sleep fragmentation, reducing the amount of restorative sleep,” Laura said.
“People with allergic rhinitis are also more likely to experience daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced cognitive performance,” Laura explains, noting that disrupted sleep is the root cause.
“Research consistently shows that allergic rhinitis is associated with poorer sleep quality, increased night-time awakenings and greater daytime sleepiness.”
The Met Office forecast indicates both high pollen counts and elevated temperatures across much of the country for the majority of the week. While many will view this as the perfect chance to finally tackle their laundry backlog, for a significant number of people, that may not be the wisest move.
“This doesn’t mean everyone needs to avoid drying laundry outside all summer, but during peak pollen days – or if your symptoms are severe – drying bedding indoors or using a tumble dryer is a sensible precaution,” Laura said. “The goal is to reduce the amount of pollen that reaches your bedroom while keeping your airways as clear as possible.”
Reduce hay fever symptoms at night
“Your bedroom should be a recovery environment, not an extension of the outdoors,” Laura said. “During pollen season, reducing allergens in the bedroom can make a meaningful difference to both your allergy symptoms and your sleep quality.”
A crucial factor to bear in mind is that many people attempt to make up for poor sleep by staying in bed longer.
Laura said: “Unfortunately, if you’re awake because you’re congested or uncomfortable, simply lying in bed longer rarely improves sleep quality. Treating the allergy itself is often the most effective way to improve sleep.”
