Trouble sleeping? Your allergies could be to blame!
By: Gabbi Di Marino, fellow allergy sufferer and content manager
Seasonal allergies impact a lot more of your health than many people give them credit for. While symptoms like decreased sleep quality are a severe consequence of hay fever, it doesn't get the attention it deserves. So, if you've felt like your allergies have been keeping you up at night, you're not crazy - this is a common issue among allergy-sufferers! I know I've spent many a night tossing and turning when my allergies were at their worst, and I started to get a bit curious about why this was occurring in the first place, which is why I decided to tackle this issue for this week's post!
Why allergies affect your sleep quality
Seasonal Allergy symptoms, as you probably already know, mainly affect your nasal passages. Breathing out of your nose, specifically, is much better for you (if you're not familiar with why, check out an older post we wrote about it). However, when your nose is all stuffed, eyes are itchy and irritated, and your sinuses are so congested it feels like a sack of potatoes are sitting on your face, it can be hard to get cozy and catch the Zzz's you so desperately need. Not only that, but allergy symptoms tend to worsen at night, making it even harder to rest. And we all know how terrible the feeling is of not getting enough sleep, no matter the cause.
Those who have their allergies to blame for lack of sleep often wake up feeling unrested and exhausted, making them significantly less productive and more likely to be grumpy, but who can blame them? I know I always feel like a walking zombie when my allergies keep me up at night, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like a member of the undead when this happens. Not only that, but allergy-suffers may also wake up with sinus pain and headaches!
A study recently discovered that those with seasonal allergies, compared to their unaffected counterparts, took longer to fall asleep, had more difficulty staying asleep, and felt sleepier throughout the day. Even when allergy sufferers can finally shut down for a bit, it usually doesn't last long. Their sleep can become interrupted by bouts of coughing and sneezing or just plain ol' discomfort. And get this - the worse your allergies are, the more difficulty you may have falling asleep. Now imagine this happening for days at a time. Extended sleep interruption can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels, which makes a person's ability to fall asleep much more difficult. This causes a sort of negative cycle to happen - your nose keeps you up, your days are burdensome and exhausting, you become stressed and anxious about your lack of sleep, and continue to have unsatisfying nights of rest.
Ways to help break the cycle of allergy-induced sleep deprivation
While there may not be a cure-all for allergy-related sleep issues, there are some steps you can take to make passing out a bit easier.
Use an air purifier
They can help clear your room of potential pollen that may be lurking and other household allergens that get your nose all worked up.
Keep your windows closed
Although enjoying a nighttime breeze may be tempting, keeping your windows closed keeps allergens where they should stay: outside!
Take a shower before bed
Jumping in the shower before you hit the sack can ensure you're washing off any pollen you may have trapped on your body, and bonus - you get to feel squeaky clean!
If you found this article interesting, try out this related post on brain fog - another hidden side-effect of seasonal allergies!