Hay fever: How just a sock and rice can improve symptoms and help you sleep

Nearly a third of Brits suffer from hay fever so badly they need to alter their lifestyle to manage symptoms - but help is at hand with this unusual remedy

Around half of us get hay fever, with nearly a third having it so badly they need to alter their lifestyle to manage symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis - to use the proper name - is when you have an allergy to pollen. As such, spring and summer can be challenging as the pollen count starts to rise, with hay fever symptoms including sneezing, a stuffy nose, watery eyes and an itchy throat.

The condition usually starts when you’re a child or teenager, but many develop it in later life.

Dr Nikita Patel, an associate medical director at Vitality, said hay fever is far more common than people think - but it can be combatted. As with many other allergies, the key to managing hay fever symptoms is avoiding exposure to the triggering allergens," said Dr Patel.

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This, of course, is easier said than done, particularly as you are highly likely to encounter pollen the second you open a window or step outside. So a different tack is needed.

According to Allergy UK, people who suffer from hay fever are more prone to suffer poor quality sleep when the weather gets warmer.

Dreams Sleep Expert Sammy Margo highlighted an unusual remedy to help combat troublesome hay fever symptoms before going to bed. She said: "It's no secret that hay fever is synonymous with sleep disturbance, which leads to daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity.

"So, it's important for hay fever sufferers to take steps to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of sleep."

And Sammy has a suggestion that's well worth a try - a sock filled with rice. She explained: "Sinus pressure is also a common symptom of hay fever.

"To combat this, fill a clean sock with uncooked rice and microwave it for 30 seconds. Place it on your forehead or over your eyes."

Sammy continued: "Making sure that it is not too hot, sleeping with a sock filled with rice is a simple and effective method, which may help to soothe sinus pressure caused by hay fever. The warmth from the rice-filled sock may help to alleviate discomfort in the sinuses and promote relaxation.

"Additionally, the weight of the sock can provide a gentle pressure that may help to ease headaches and other forms of discomfort caused by hay fever."

She also recommends sleeping in a reclined position to help relieve post-nasal drip.

"This position can help to drain mucus away from the nasal passages, allowing air to flow more freely through the airways," said Sammy.

"There are several ways to sleep in a reclined position, such as using a specially designed wedge pillow, or adjusting the head of the bed to a slightly raised position."

If the sock and rice method isn't for you, there's always an eye mask.

"An eye mask can help block out light and create a darker sleep environment, which can help alleviate hay fever symptoms and promote better sleep," she said.

"By reducing exposure to light, the body is better able to produce melatonin, which can help regulate sleep-wake cycles and promote more restful sleep."

She added: "In addition to blocking out light, an eye mask can also help prevent rubbing and itching of the eyes, which can be a common symptom of hay fever."

The NHS says it's a good idea to speak to your pharmacist if you have hay fever. They can give advice and suggest the best treatments, such as antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays to help with: