If your allergies always act up at home, or you frequently wake up with nightmarish sinuses, your bedroom is probably to blame. It’s chock-full of the most common indoor allergens, from mold and dander to the collection of dust mites rallying on your bedsheets. Since these dust mites (actually, their excrement) love beds that provide warmth, humidity, and food (i.e., our dead skin cells), our supposed sanctuary is also theirs. If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, you might want to start with an allergy test first. “When it comes to allergies, knowledge is power,” says Jeffrey S. Dlott, MD, MS, senior medical director for Quest Diagnostics. “It’s important to have a better understanding of any conditions you may have in order to improve behaviors for your health.” These days, doing that is easier than ever with at-home kits that allow you to test yourself for indoor allergies right at home. Platforms like QuestDirect Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel can provide results within three to five days and help identify specific triggers. If your results come back positive for indoor allergens like dust mites, it’s time to turn your attention to the bedroom. Properly preparing your bed can help alleviate those pesky sneezing bouts and allow for more restful, uninterrupted sleep during the hours you spend there. Keep reading for some simple steps you can take to make your bedroom a hypoallergenic haven. But most allergists agree the best hypoallergenic fabric is silk, which not only fights off allergens but also soothes sensitive skin. (Fun fact: Silkworms produce a protein that makes silk resistant to germs, dust mites, and other allergens.) Although it’s a bit of an investment, its allergy-proof qualities—plus the long list of hair and skin benefits—could be worth the splurge. Think of your pajamas as another cover (for your shedding skin), so it’s best to change into freshly laundered jammies every night. As a precaution, make sure your PJs are washed with hypoallergenic detergent. RELATED: How Often Should You Wash Your Pajamas? Experts Weigh In
