Allergies, Sleep and Sleep Apnea

Get ready for ragweed season! Coughing, sneezing, itching, clogged ears, sore throat, fatigue, headache and of course congestion can flare up during late summer and into fall. Anyone with allergies can attest to the discomfort of allergy symptoms, especially when it involves struggling to breathe comfortably through the nose. Nasal congestion is an annoying condition when you are awake but when you are trying to sleep and you suffer from sleep apnea, the congestion caused by allergies can make your apnea worse. Fortunately, the professionals at the Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center can help so you can manage a restful night’s sleep.

How Allergies Can Affect Your Sleep

Nasal congestion is an expected symptom for many people who suffer from allergies. Due to the congestion, you have a tendency to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. Your mouth becomes drier, and your breathing airway may become blocked. Allergic reactions for some result in swollen tonsils or adenoids, both of which can also block the airway.

Allergies do not actually cause sleep apnea; however, the symptoms they produce can lead to sleep apnea. If you already have it, allergies can make it worse. You may experience longer episodes of apnea and they may be more frequent.

Calm Down the Allergies

In addition to using allergy medications and decongestants as recommended by your physician, there are other actions you can take to help the situation:

• After being out in the pollen, change your clothes and wipe yourself down or take a shower. Taking a shower before you go to bed ensures you are not bringing allergens with you. Remember to rise or wash your hair to avoid a pillow full of pollutants.
• An air purifier in your home will help clean the pollutants from the air. Add a humidifier for moisture in the air, which will help when nasal passages are dried out.
• A hypoallergenic pillow will also help. Be sure to wash your pillowcases often.
• Give your pet a good wipe down after it has been outside. Be sure to wipe paws thoroughly. Even small pets can bring in loads of allergens.
• Keep accumulations of allergens down in your home by vacuuming and dusting more often.

You can take steps to minimize the additional problems allergies layer on top of your sleep apnea. Keep in mind that your sleep apnea is a separate condition that still needs to be addressed. For a more restful sleep, contact the professionals at Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center.