Stress or Bugs?

Fatigue is a typical side effect of a busy mom and according to studies, microscopic bugs could be one of the reasons. We may not be aware of it but microscopic droppings left by dust mites are the number one indoor allergen. We often blame stress but mites are the real culprit.

Everyone has dust mites in their house and they just love nestling in our beddings and pillows. We may have developed a sensitivity to the droppings of these bugs without even knowing it and that is causing our sleepless nights and allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.

Routine cleaning such as shaking out blankets and fluffing pillows can worsen symptoms. Get rid of old bedroom rugs and wash your bedding more frequently. Reports say a new bedding holds 2 million or more allergen-producing dust mites after one month of use. Once allergens are airborne, they can affect people 24/7.

To sleep better at night and wake up energized, here are some ways to kill those mites.

1) Launder bedding in cold water. Studies show that washing in cold water weekly removes 90% of allergen-producing mite droppings.

2) Leave pillows and mattresses uncovered and exposed to direct sunlight and fresh dry air for at least an hour a week. It reduces dust mite populations by dehydrating the critters, which crave moist and warm areas.

3) Traditional brooms and vacuums stir allergens into the air. For hard floors it will be best to mop first before sweeping and for carpets, treat them with eucalyptus oil 6 to 24 hours before vacuuming. It helps neutralize mite allergens. Here's how to do it: Combine 5 drops of eucalyptus oil and 8 0z. water in a clean spray bottle and use it like you would a room deodorizing spray.