Huntington Beach, CA, August 26th, 2019
Millions of California residents suffer from allergies and nationwide it is one of the top ten leading causes of chronic illnesses. For those who suffer from the condition, allergies can have a significant impact on their ability to get a good night’s rest when symptoms flare up.
A lack of sleep can impact a person’s immune system, cause fatigue, poor performance in school or at work, increase absenteeism and even cause depression in some people. Taking over-the-counter medicines or prescription drugs can help, but so too can minimizing exposure to allergens in the home, bedroom and even the bed itself. The following are some tips to help reduce exposure to some of the most common indoor allergens.
- Dust mites thrive in warm and humid environments and are often present in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric and fabric-covered items. Regularly clean pillow cases, sheets and bed coverings in hot water and use high heat when drying. There are also special dust mite covers for bedding materials which may be beneficial.
- Dander from pets can cause allergies so avoid allowing pets in the bedroom and do not allow them to sleep on the bed.
- If cockroaches are present indoors, treat and clean the home as many people are allergic to their body parts and waste.
- Mold, a common allergen, thrives in conditions with high humidity or due to water damage. In fact, mold can begin to grow in as short as 48 hours on many materials when conditions are suitable.
- A cool and dry environment helps most people sleep and can minimize dust mites. An air conditioner or dehumidifier can help create a conducive sleep environment.
- In some regions, primarily during the winter, adding moisture with a humidifier can help with dry skin and respiratory issues if the air is exceptionally dry. However, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the device clean to prevent mold and bacteria from growing in it or making the room too humid.
- Regularly change out the home’s air filters and if necessary, consider using a separate air cleaner for the bedroom.
- Pollen is a common allergen so keep plants out of bedrooms and windows closed when there are high levels of outdoor pollen.
- Regularly vacuum using a machine with a HEPA filter and don’t forget to dust. Also clean items that may hold large amounts of dust, such as window curtains, which are often overlooked.
- Stuffed animals in a bed can contain allergens such as dust mites, so frequently wash them and consider minimizing the number allowed.
- Some people may be allergic to feather pillows and feather beds so allergen-resistant bedding options could help.
- Use environmentally friendly fabric detergents with no scents or fragrances as some people can react to common chemicals and fragrances found in popular detergents.
“Knowing what allergens are present in a home is the first step for allergy sufferers to be able to minimize or eliminate exposure concerns to better manage their condition,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “LA Testing offers indoor environmental quality testing services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits for a wide range of indoor allergens. Test results can provide the necessary information to create an indoor environment that improves sleep quality and the overall lives of those with allergies and even asthma.”
LA Testing has sponsored an educational video with information about indoor allergens and sleep tips that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/wQul4sBhOiw.
To learn more about allergens or other indoor environmental quality, health and safety testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. To obtain allergen and IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.
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