A neuroscientist and sleep researcher has issued a warning to people across the UK, particularly the 16 million Brits who suffer from hay fever, advising them not to hang bed sheets outside to dry during the current heatwave.
Pollen Collects on Bedding
Laura Bojarskaite from the University of Oslo cautioned that during periods of high pollen counts, bedsheets, pillowcases, and blankets left to dry outdoors can collect pollen grains. "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," she said.
The Met Office has predicted a "very high" pollen count across the West Midlands and southern England this week, with temperatures set to climb into the mid-30s Celsius.
Impact on Sleep Quality
Hay fever can significantly disrupt sleep, and poor sleep can make allergy symptoms feel worse. "This creates a vicious cycle during allergy season," Bojarskaite explained. Her research has been published in leading journals such as Nature Communications.
Symptoms like blocked noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes make it harder to fall and stay asleep. "Nasal congestion is particularly problematic because it increases mouth breathing and sleep fragmentation, reducing the amount of restorative sleep," she said. People with allergic rhinitis are more likely to experience daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and reduced cognitive performance due to disrupted sleep.
Practical Advice
While many view the warm weather as a chance to tackle laundry, Bojarskaite advised caution. "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," she said. "The goal is to reduce the amount of pollen that reaches your bedroom while keeping your airways as clear as possible."
She emphasized that the bedroom should be a recovery environment. "During pollen season, reducing allergens in the bedroom can make a meaningful difference to both your allergy symptoms and your sleep quality."
Treating the Root Cause
Many people try to compensate for poor sleep by staying in bed longer, but this is ineffective. "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," Bojarskaite concluded.
