Allergies and Sleep Problems

Are allergies or asthma keeping you awake at night?  Are you tossing or turning or choking or wheezing  or trying to deal with a stuffed-up nose…or all of the above and more?

Allergens, like pollen or mold, that cause allergic reactions, can also play a role in sleep problems.  Exposure to allergens during the day may set off a chain reaction in the immune system that produces symptoms hours later, as can allergens in the bedroom like dust mites or animal dander.

Allergies may be seasonal, year-round, or occupational.  They may arise from substances in our environment that we touch or inhale or from the foods we eat.  Whatever the cause and whenever they occur, their myriad symptoms can disrupt sleep.

According to the Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics , “Studies show that postnasal drip and congestion from allergies can cause multiple nighttime “micro-arousals.”  These awakenings are so brief that the sleeper doesn’t even remember them, but they affect alertness the following day.  The most obvious signs that allergies or asthma are disturbing someone’s sleep are fatigue, irritability and reduced alertness the following day.  Others include morning headaches, depression and impaired concentration.”

Sleep deprivation is a stress that has significant consequences, such as high blood pressure and heart complications, as well as psychological complications.  It affects every part of your life.  What’s needed is a game plan to attack it.

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