A nose that is blocked on waking but clears later in the day can point to something in the bed.
If you wake up every morning with a blocked nose, you are probably wondering what is behind it.
One common culprit is dust mites. These tiny creatures thrive in bedding, mattresses and other soft surfaces, and they can trigger allergies that leave your nose clogged by morning.
Understanding how dust mites contribute to morning congestion, and taking steps to reduce them, may help you start your day breathing more easily.
In this article
- Why dust mites can cause a stuffy nose in the morning
- Three ways to reduce dust mites in your bed
- Three steps you can take tonight
- Other possible causes if you do not have a dust mite allergy
Why Do Dust Mites Cause Morning Congestion?
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid places, which is why they are so common in mattresses, pillows and bedding.
As they feed on dead skin cells, they produce tiny waste particles. These can become airborne and trigger allergies in some people.
The allergic reaction
Breathing in dust mite allergens can make your nasal passages swell, which leads to congestion.
Hours of close contact
Dust mites live in bedding and mattresses, so you are exposed to them for hours every night. This makes waking with a clogged nose far more likely.
Steps to Reduce Nasal Congestion Every Morning
These are practical ways to limit dust mites in your bedroom.
1Use allergen barrier covers
Fully zipped covers on your mattress, pillows and duvet keep dust mites sealed in.
Your pillow sits closest to your nose, which is why a mattress protector alone is rarely enough.
2Wash bedding weekly
Wash your sheets, pillowcases and blankets at 60°C to kill dust mites.
3Vacuum regularly
Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstery with a HEPA filter vacuum to capture dust mites and their allergens.
3 Steps to Ease a Stuffy Nose Tonight
If you want to take action straight away, start with these.
- Follow a plan. Read our free 6-step guide on how to get rid of dust mites.
- Ask about allergy remedies. Antihistamine tablets and antihistamine nasal sprays taken before bed can help with allergy symptoms. Your pharmacist can advise which suits you.
- Raise your head. Raise the head of your bed so you sleep at a slight angle.
Stuffy Nose With No Dust Mite Allergy?
If you do not have a dust mite allergy, other things could be causing your stuffy nose.
Environmental
Mould growing in the bedroom.
Dietary triggers
Food allergies, such as dairy, gluten, seeds or nuts.
Medical issues
A stuffy nose can also be linked to a longer term illness. If it does not settle, please get checked by your GP.
0 comments