An estimated 13 million people in the UK suffer from hayfever, an allergy to pollen. With pollen levels already soaring in early spring, many will be looking for methods to ease their symptoms, especially at night, to ensure sleep isn’t disrupted by symptoms.

To help people find comfort at night, a company has shared an unusual cleaning hack that may help to improve sleep during the allergy season. Experts at MattressOnline suggested that people shouldn’t dry clothes and bedsheets on an outside washing line.

They explained: “Some of your washing habits might need changing when dealing with hay fever symptoms.

“For example, avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside.”

From Tuesday, pollen levels are expected to drop across the South but will sadly remain relatively high further north in areas such as the West Midlands. 

Areas in East Anglia are also expected to see pollen levels peak today and tomorrow before dropping at the end of the week.

Professor Helen A Brough, Professor of Paediatric Allergy, said: "Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to pollen, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itching, and watery eyes. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies pollen as harmful, triggering inflammation in the nose and eyes.

"Grass pollen is the most common trigger. Tree pollens cause symptoms from February to May, while weeds affect sufferers from April to September. Mould spores peak around September and October but may affect people throughout the year."