Dr. Brodner
August 9, 2018
BOYNTON BEACH, Florida— While everyone does well trying to keep away from common cold and flu germs, most do not take into account the affect household allergens have on their health and sleep. Mattresses, pillows, and bedding are ideal breeding grounds for many of these allergens including dust, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and mold. In people who are allergic to them, these particles trigger the release of a chemical in the body that causes nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. These symptoms can lead to poor sleep, which can result in significant daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
According to David C. Brodner, M.D., a Board-Certified Sinus Surgeon and Sleep Medicine Specialist in Boynton Beach, Florida, “Household allergens are as pervasive as outdoor allergens, and can have a real impact on sleep. If you have allergies, take steps to protect your sleep. Especially if dust mites are the cause: wash your sheets in hot water once a week and your blankets regularly. If your pillow is washable, you can launder it as well, or simply dry it on a high temperature, which kills mites. It’s also important to fit your mattress, box spring, and pillows with a cover that seals them completely and keeps mites from taking up residence in your bed.”
The National Sleep Foundation found that sleep is dramatically impaired by allergic symptoms and that the degree of impairment is related to the severity of those symptoms. In addition, sleep problems are linked with fatigue and daytime sleepiness as well as decreased productivity at work or school, impaired learning and memory, depression, and a reduced quality of life.“ How you feel and perform during the day is related to how much sleep you get the night before,” states Dr. Brodner. “If sleepiness interferes with your daily activities, more sleep each night will improve the quality of your waking hours.”
About Dr. Brodner
David C. Brodner, M.D. has been caring for the patients of Palm Beach County since 2001 and is proficient in managing all ailments of the Adult Ears, Nose and Throat. He founded The Center for Sinus, Allergy, and Sleep Wellness in 2009 to offer the latest minimally invasive therapies for sinus headache, sinus infections, allergy testing and treatment, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia. Dr. Brodner also uses his experience and knowledge to help people as a research and development consultant, medical records reviewer, quality assurance and disability adjudicator, and expert witness. He was the first specialist in Palm Beach County to earn Board Certification in both Sleep Medicine and Otolaryngology.
