Sleep and Allergies

About Allergies

• Approximately one in five Americans suffer some form of allergy
• Allergies are caused by an inappropriate response of our immune system to allergens. These can include food, insect stings, and airborne particles such as dust or pollen
• Allergies to airborne particles are the most common

Allergies affect quality of life, not only creating symptoms such as itching, runny noses, and sneezing, but often also limiting activity – for example choosing not to go outside when the tree pollen count is high. Treatment for allergies depends on the type of allergy, but can include:

• Correct identification of the allergen and then limiting exposure to this (e.g. avoiding peanuts, freshly cut grass)
• Drugs that reduce the immune system response. These could be antihistamines or steroids
• Drugs that treat the symptoms such as decongestants
• Desensitization, which involves gradually exposing the patient to increasing amounts of the allergen

Some allergies, especially those that involve airborne particles, affect sleep quality.

About Sleep and Allergies

• Stuffy or running noses, itching eyes and headaches linked to allergies are known to affect sleep, but the effect on sleep is rarely treated
• Congested nasal passages seems to be the most common problem affecting sleep
• Snoring, sleep apnea, and frequent awakening are common

Not only can the symptoms of allergies cause sleep problems, but there is a daily rise and fall in the chemicals involved in allergy response. These chemicals peak in the early morning, contributing to sleep disturbance.

Many antihistamines that help allergic symptoms also cause daytime drowsiness. Some newer antihistamines are less likely to have this side-effect. Drugs that treat the symptoms of allergies can make it difficult to fall asleep, limiting their usefulness (e.g. decongestants like pseudoephedrine).

Corticosteroids inhaled through the nose have been proven to be both effective in treating symptoms and improving sleep and daytime fatigue.

Talk to your doctor about your allergies and any sleep problems that you may be having. Be sure to discuss your current medications which may be adding to your tiredness.

References

Storms W. Allergic rhinitis-induced nasal congestion: its impact on sleep quality.
Prim Care Respir J. 2008 Mar;17(1):7-18. Review.