Fall Allergies Are in the Air

Do you suffer from fall allergies? Do you know what triggers are available throughout the fall? And which ones are specific to your area or lifestyle? If you're starting to feel under the weather – or even just a bit "off" every time the temperatures dip – allergies may very well be the cause. Substances like ragweed (the biggest fall trigger), pollen (which is generally more prevalent in spring), dust mites, and even certain types of fruits and vegetables – specifically melons, zucchini, etc. are all there to make you sneeze. Though the latter is far more rare, but nonetheless still an allergy trigger for many – which often goes unnoticed due to its unusual nature. 

No matter what may be the cause, however, these triggers have been known to bring on some seriously unpleasant symptoms. Such as hay fever, scratchy throats, itchy and watery eyes, couching, and noses that can't decide if they're stuffed up or running constantly. Even worse for those who enjoy sleeping with open windows – a move that lets in fresh air and helps cool the house, but also brings in microscopic particles.

It's also likely that you've taken note of fall weather patterns in your area. Some states will fluxgate greatly. Days of heat will see fewer symptoms, while cool or windy days might cause an almost severe cold. (Or at least the need to pack a box of tissues.) A pattern that often continues until a hard freeze is able to settle down triggers for months at a time – except for warmer climates, which might see allergies year-round. (Though citizens of these areas often develop immunities, too.) 

If you suffer from fall allergies, consider looking to natural or over-the-counter remedies to help keep symptoms at bay. And remember that, no matter how severe the season might seem, you're only a few months away from long-term relief. 

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(Even More) Tips for Beating the Summer Sleeping Heat

Scorching temperatures are just around the corner. Depending on where you live, they might already be upon you. Which means longer, sweatier days, and even warmer and damper nights. With all of the growing humidity it can be impossible to remove all of the moisture from your home, even with a new and efficient AC unit. But instead of fighting the inevitable, why not take a few tricks that will help cool your home on its own … without jacking up the electricity bill?

Start by getting a dehumidifier. These things can do wonders, especially in upper levels of your home, where ACs have a harder time to reach. And because heat rises, there’s even higher temps lurking in those upper corners. Pick up a few dehumidifiers at the local department store and let them give your electricity bill a break. 

You should also make sure your AC unit is clean and working as efficiently as possible. Hose off any debris from the outside of your model and clear out air vents so that your cool breeze can easily flow into the house. Fans, dehumidifiers, and more should also be dusted every few weeks as well to keep air flowing as freely as possible.

Another little-thought-of tip is to keep pets off the bed. Though you can be thankful for their added heat come winter, summer will have you kicking them to the floor. It might be nice to cuddle, but just think how much extra heat their bodies are bringing to the bed. Make them a spot on the floor instead to help cool down instantly. 

Finally, remember to cool yourself off as much as possible before bed. Take a cold shower or drink a glass of ice water for a quick, yet efficient, way to drop your body temperature and get it ready for a restful night. 

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Changing Weather Patterns and your Sleep Habits

The outside temperature has always had an effect on just how well we’re able to sleep. That’s a pattern that’s always been true. Winter and early nights generally bring on deep bouts of sleep. While hot, sticky days can make rest hard to obtain. Eventually we become used to the weather, even if it does take a few weeks to do so. But when it’s constantly sling-shotting back and forth, it’s even harder to prep for bed. Knowing what layers of clothing to wear, how cool to set the thermostat, whether or not you should turn on a fan, and so on.

These unpredictable weather patterns are especially common in the Midwest. Where weather can fluctuate drastically, even within a single day. Just because it was hot that day, doesn’t mean it will be hot that night, and so on. 

However, such large variations in weather can also affect how you sleep. How well, at what time, clothing choice, thickness of sheets, and so on. Leaving you to either go on a whim each night, or to be constantly checking the weather – and even then, the body can make adjustments we don’t even know about. 

To regulate yourself, even when the climate has a mind of its own, consider taking charge of the few factors you can control. First off, stick to your routine. If you generally shower before bed, continue to do so at the same time each night – even if it stays light later into the evening. You should also continue lying down to sleep at your same time, even if that means reading or watching TV first. 

Account for temperature changes with the thermostat, or by wearing thicker or thinner PJs each night. A bedroom fan can also make a world of difference.

To avoid losing sleep, even through drastic changes, remember these simple constants to help improve everyday routine. 

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