Allergy season is back, and if you live in Northwest Arkansas, you know what that means—constant sneezing, itchy eyes, and that frustrating congestion that never seems to go away. But the worst part? It doesn’t just affect your days. It steals your sleep.
You finally get into bed after a long day, hoping for rest, but instead, you’re tossing, turning, and struggling to breathe. Your nose is blocked, your throat feels dry, and you can't get comfortable no matter how much you adjust your pillow. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Allergies can wreak havoc on your sleep, leaving you exhausted and drained before the day even begins.
But you don’t have to put up with it. The right mattress, bedding, and sleep environment can make all the difference. Let’s talk about how to stop allergies from controlling your sleep—and start getting the deep, uninterrupted rest you deserve.
How Allergies Impact Your Sleep Cycle
Your body is designed to breathe effortlessly while you sleep. But when allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores are present, they trigger an immune response that throws everything off.
Here’s what happens:
When you breathe in allergens, your immune system sees them as invaders. In response, it releases histamines, which trigger inflammation in your nasal passages. This is why your nose gets stuffy or starts dripping like a faucet. Your body also produces extra mucus in an attempt to flush out these irritants, but that just leads to post-nasal drip, which causes constant throat clearing, coughing, and an itchy sensation that makes it impossible to relax.
When your breathing is compromised, your body struggles to enter deep, restorative sleep. Instead of flowing smoothly through the sleep cycles, you keep getting pulled back to the surface—waking up just enough to shift positions, rub your nose, or adjust your pillow to find a better way to breathe. Even if you don’t remember waking up, these minor interruptions can add up. As a result, you wake up feeling groggy, drained, and far from refreshed.
Sleep scientists have found that allergies significantly reduce REM sleep—the stage responsible for memory, focus, and emotional regulation. If you’ve ever felt more irritable or unfocused during allergy season, this is why. Your body needs deep sleep to function correctly, but allergens keep dragging you out of it before you can fully recharge.
On top of that, long-term sleep deprivation can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and weakened respiratory function—all of which can make allergies even harder to manage.
Missouri & Arkansas Allergy Tips to Help You Sleep Better
Your sleep environment plays a massive role in how well you rest, and your mattress is one of the biggest factors. If allergens are lurking in your bed, they can make it nearly impossible to breathe comfortably at night. Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores can settle into your mattress, pillows, and bed sheets, triggering symptoms that keep you tossing and turning. The key to better sleep during allergy season is creating a space where allergens have nowhere to hide:
Choose a Hypoallergenic Mattress
Not all types of mattresses are allergy-friendly. Natural latex mattresses naturally resist dust mites, mold spores, and bacteria, while antimicrobial foam mattresses help prevent allergen buildup. Organic cotton bedding is also a great option since it’s breathable and free from harsh chemicals. If your mattress is old or secondhand, allergens may already be embedded, so replacing it with a hypoallergenic mattress can improve your sleep quality.
Use an Allergen-Proof Mattress Cover
A zippered, hypoallergenic mattress cover creates a protective barrier against dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. It’s best to choose a breathable cover and wash it regularly to keep it fresh. Using pillow protectors adds another layer of defense against allergens.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Your bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets trap allergens, so washing them in hot water (130°F or higher) once a week helps eliminate dust mites and pet dander. Comforters and blankets should be cleaned every two weeks, and it’s best to dry them indoors to avoid pollen exposure.
Keep Your Mattress and Bedroom Clean
Regular mattress cleaning is essential for an allergy-friendly sleep environment. Use a HEPA filter vacuum on your mattress and surrounding areas at least once a month to remove allergens. Sprinkling baking soda on the mattress before vacuuming can also help absorb moisture and odors.
Control Humidity Levels
High humidity encourages dust mites and mold spores, while dry air can irritate your sinuses. Keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50% with a dehumidifier or an air filter helps maintain a balanced sleep environment. An air purifier can also help filter out airborne allergens.
Choose Hypoallergenic Pillows and Comforters
Feather and down-filled pillows trap allergens, so switching to hypoallergenic pillows made from latex or synthetic materials can improve sleep. Using washable pillow protectors helps keep allergens from settling in.
Consider Medication
If allergies make sleeping impossible, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or prescription medications may help reduce symptoms at night. Consulting a medical professional ensures you find the right solution for your needs.
Adjust Your Routine
Simple habits can make a big difference in your sleep environment. Showering before bed removes pollen and pet dander from your hair and skin, preventing allergens from transferring to your bed sheets. Wearing clean pajamas every night also helps keep your bed free of irritants. If you spend time outdoors, changing clothes before bed can reduce exposure to allergens.
Avoid Used or Secondhand Mattresses
Older mattresses hold onto dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores over time; no cleaning can remove them altogether. If a mattress is stored in a humid area, mold spores may already be growing inside, which can trigger itchy skin, congestion, and watery eyes. Many older mattresses also lack antimicrobial foam and moisture-wicking materials that prevent allergens from accumulating.
If your mattress is 6–8 years old, replacing it with a hypoallergenic mattress can drastically improve your sleep quality and reduce allergy symptoms.
Find the Best Hypoallergenic Mattresses & Bedding in Arkansas and Missouri
The Bedding Mart offers a range of allergy-friendly mattresses and bedding solutions to help Arkansas and Missouri residents breathe easier and sleep better. Whether you’re looking for a latex smartpillow or hybrid mattress, we’ve got what you need to enhance your quality of life. Browse through our selection to find one that works for your needs.
