A sleep researcher from the UK is warning people about drying their bed sheets outside.

She talks to the 16 million people in the UK who have hay fever. The Met Office says pollen counts will be very high this week.

Laura Bojarskaite from the University of Oslo warns people with allergies not to dry their bed sheets outside.

She says bedsheets can collect pollen grains when dried outside. This can make allergy symptoms worse when you sleep.

A neuroscientist warns 16 million people in the UK who have hay fever not to dry their bed sheets outside.

Hay fever can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep can make allergy symptoms worse. This creates a bad cycle.

Seasonal allergy symptoms like blocked noses and itchy eyes can make it hard to sleep. Nasal congestion is particularly bad.

People with allergies are more likely to feel tired, have trouble focusing, and have poor cognitive performance.

Research shows that allergies are linked to poor sleep quality and more daytime sleepiness.

Temperatures are rising again.

The Met Office forecast says there will be high pollen counts and hot temperatures this week. This might not be the best time to dry laundry outside.

Laura says it's a good idea to dry bedding indoors or use a tumble dryer on peak pollen days. This can reduce the amount of pollen that reaches your bedroom.

Laura Bojarskaite from the University of Oslo warns people with allergies not to dry their bed sheets outside during the heatwave.

Laura says your bedroom should be a place to recover, not a place with outdoor allergens. Reducing allergens in the bedroom can help with allergy symptoms and sleep.

Many people try to make up for poor sleep by sleeping in longer.

Laura says that lying in bed longer when you're congested or uncomfortable doesn't usually improve sleep quality. Treating the allergy is often the best way to improve sleep.