Many people suffer from allergies and stuffy noses at night, which can lead to a restless sleep.

Dust mites live in most people's bed and bedding in huge quantities due to the dark and the dampness of the average bed. If you have respiratory issues, they can only be aggravated by an over-abundance of these microscopic insects.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to help reduce these pests:

1) Turn down your blankets in the morning so that the sheets are exposed and open the curtains on your bedroom window. This allows moisture to evaporate more readily from your bed, while the sun's natural ultra-violet rays kills bacteria, fungi and mites in huge numbers.

2) Replace any poly-filled pillows and blankets with natural fibers that inhibit the life cycle of these respiratory trouble makers. Natural wool filled pillows and duvets are ideal for this purpose, as they allow moisture to evaporate, and dust mites do not survive well in wool.

By taking these simple steps, you will breathe better and sleep well.