As a ‘red alert’ pollen weekend looms, the NHS has urged millions of hay fever sufferers to reach for an affordable kitchen-cupboard staple: petroleum jelly. Dabbing a thin layer of Vaseline around the nostrils before stepping outside creates a sticky barrier that traps airborne pollen, preventing it from entering nasal passages and triggering allergic reactions. The health service recommends the technique for days when the Met Office issues ‘very high’ pollen warnings — and from Friday June 19, those warnings are set to blanket almost all of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Products start at £1.80 from Boots, Superdrug and other retailers, and for best results, people should reapply after blowing their nose or sneezing.
But the discomfort doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Night-time temperatures across the UK are hovering between 12°C and 19°C, with the southeast occasionally climbing to 20°C — and because British homes are built to trap heat, millions face sweltering nights. Sleep consultant Dr Allie Hare, speaking to specialists at Emma Sleep, has a simple solution: spread out like a starfish. “Overheating during sleep can significantly reduce sleep quality and duration,” she warned. “Sleeping in a starfish position may help increase air circulation around your body, aiding a restful night’s sleep.” For bed‑sharers short on space, she recommends side sleeping instead, which “will increase the heat released from your back, helping you feel cooler.”
“NHS urges Vaseline around nostrils for pollen bomb; sleep expert says starfish position cools hot nights.”
Hare also stresses the importance of daytime hydration: “Drink enough water during the day to help your body manage any excess heat more effectively at night.” A lukewarm shower an hour before bed — not cold, she emphasises — can also help the body shed heat. Meanwhile, the NHS advises hay fever sufferers to shower and change clothes immediately after coming indoors, washing off pollen before it settles on skin and soft furnishings. Avoiding outdoor laundry drying is another tip, as fabric fibres can trap allergens even if the clothes aren’t worn.
With a double whammy of soaring pollen counts and sticky nights, Britons may find that a little Vaseline and a starfish stretch are the simplest weapons against the elements.