Latest news with #DrSeetaShah
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
This simple morning habit could be harming your sleep; an expert reveals what you should never do to your bed in the summer
We're constantly hearing about the importance of a good evening routine to aid sleep: switching devices off well before bed, cooling your room down to a cave-like temperature, spending the last few minutes before bed on a relaxing activity and so on. However, what you've probably thought about less often about is how your morning routine could impact your sleep. Dr Seeta Shah, an expert from Panda London, says 'As a sleep specialist, I often remind people that what you do after waking can have just as much impact on sleep health as what you do before bed.' One of the most surprising habits Dr Shah wants to see abandoned is people making their beds straight away after getting up, especially in the summer months. You might think it's a sign of virtue to tidy up your bedding the minute you spring out of bed, but apparently that's not the case. 'Over the course of the night, your body naturally releases heat, sweat, and microscopic skin particles into your bedding. In summer, when temperatures are higher and humidity is often elevated, this effect is intensified,' explains Dr Shah. 'By making your bed immediately after rising, you're effectively sealing in all that moisture and warmth, right into the mattress and sheets. From a physiological perspective, this creates a microclimate under the covers that is both warm and damp; ideal conditions for microbial and allergen growth, especially fungi and dust mites.' The idea of your bed becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria is bad enough in itself, but this could then result in a poorer night's sleep, particularly if you already suffer from any kind of respiratory problems or allergies. 'Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on dead skin cells and flourish in humid environments,' says Dr Shah. 'They don't bite, but their presence (and droppings) can significantly affect those with asthma, eczema, or allergies.' To help stop them from multiplying, Dr Shah recommends waiting 30 to 60 minutes before making your bed in the morning. 'By leaving your bed unmade, with the duvet pulled back, you allow air and natural light to dry out the bed's surface, disrupting the moist environment mites rely on,' she says. There are things you can do to aid this process too. 'If possible, open the windows to allow ventilation' recommends Dr Shah. 'A cool breeze and daylight are both excellent at reducing indoor humidity.' You should also aim to 'use breathable, summer-appropriate bedding such as cotton or linen, and wash your sheets at least once a week in summer to keep your sleep surface clean and fresh.' 'Letting your bed breathe is not just a cleanliness tip, it's a scientifically sound approach to better sleep hygiene in the summer months,' says Dr Shah. 'A neatly made bed is lovely, but a healthy bed is far better.'
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Why your hay fever symptoms are worse at night - and how to sleep better
A high pollen count is causing sleepless nights for hay fever sufferers. The surge in pollen levels is particularly affecting those in the south west of England, with experts warning that symptoms often worsen at night, disrupting sleep and overall well-being. Dr Seeta Shah, a medical expert at Panda London, said: "Throughout the evening the pollen count peaks, increasing the chances of allergens finding their way into your bedroom. "This can lead to a build-up of indoor allergens which can heighten hay fever symptoms as you settle down at bedtime. "As well as being uncomfortable and making falling asleep harder, hay fever symptoms can disrupt sleeping patterns by causing awakenings during the night. "This reduces the amount of deep restorative sleep hay fever sufferers can get and can leave them feeling lethargic and tired, even after a full night's rest." To reduce the impact of allergens indoors, Dr Shah recommends keeping windows closed during high pollen periods and switching to hypoallergenic bedding. She suggests that bamboo sheets may be particularly helpful, as the fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and resistant to dust mites and other microorganisms. READ: Hay fever? Here's 5 drinks you have at home that could help 'wash out' symptoms Dr Shah said: "Switching to bamboo bedding is particularly beneficial for those with allergies as the fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and resistant to microorganisms and parasites like dust mites and bed bugs. "This not only reduces irritation but also promotes a healthier sleep environment." She also advises regular washing of bed linen and taking a shower before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair. Dr Shah said: "If your symptoms are getting worse at bedtime you should ensure you are washing your bedding regularly. "As well as regularly washing your bed linen, it's also a good idea to take a shower before you get into bed during hay fever season." For those struggling with nasal congestion, extra pillows may help, but care should be taken to avoid neck strain. Bethany Lawrence, an orthopaedic expert at Panda London, said: "Whilst elevating your head is a popular way to relieve nasal congestion caused by hay fever, if you're using this technique you need to ensure you are not straining your neck."
