Allergies and Sleep

Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which a person breathes in allergens such as mold, dander, or other irritants. These irritate the nasal passages and cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to them. This can greatly disturb a person’s sleep and sleep patterns. Allergies can occur all year long or can be seasonal, depending on the type. People with allergies are highly likely to have sleep problems as well. The sleep problems are worse when the allergies are worse. Allergic rhinitis is also linked to a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, in which the person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted while they are trying to sleep. Both obstructive sleep apnea and general sleep disturbance can lead to daytime fatigue and issues with productivity and mood. Indeed, problems with attention and even lower IQ have been linked to poor sleep conditions. The good news is that treating the allergic rhinitis symptoms can lessen and improve the sleep conditions. Mental and physical health are both strongly linked to how well a person sleeps, so it is important to recognize and diagnose allergic issues that might be interfering with a person’s sleep or causing an issue such as obstructive sleep apnea that is disrupting a person’s sleep. .