Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Sleep Apnea?

Seasonal allergies can be a major annoyance, especially when they start to interfere with your sleep. For those who suffer from allergies, nighttime breathing difficulties can lead to a more severe condition known as sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing to repeatedly start and stop during sleep, leading to frequent disruptions throughout the night.

The Allergy Connection

Allergy sufferers already contend with several troublesome symptoms: runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, sneezing and headaches. For many, they add another problem to their list of woes: sleep problems.

Allergic rhinitis is a nasal inflammation condition caused by allergies that often leads to blocked nasal passages. This, in turn, can lead to snoring, or a more severe condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

This can cause more than just a stormy night’s sleep. Research has proven that allergic rhinitis can negatively impact your sleep, and the more severe the allergic reaction, the worse your sleep problem can become.

Sleep apnea significantly diminishes your quality of life and frequently leads to serious health problems, which can include:

• Fatigue
• Daytime sleepiness
• Decreased productivity at work
• Problems at school
• Delayed reaction times (especially dangerous when driving)
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure,
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

Allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. As a result, individuals may begin to breathe through their mouths, which eventually leads to snoring and ultimately sleep apnea. Moreover, allergies can cause congestion and post-nasal drip, both of which make it harder to breathe and increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep apnea.

Treating Allergies and Sleep Apnea

If you experience any symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep or feeling tired and groggy upon waking up, it is critical to seek advice from the specialists at Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center. They will investigate the root cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Meanwhile, there are several steps you can take to manage your allergies and decrease the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.

1. Use a saline nasal spray can help clear your nasal passages
2. Use an air purifier while you sleep to remove allergens from your bedroom
3. Avoid allergens whenever possible, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen counts or avoiding pets that trigger allergies

Those suffering from allergies must take them seriously and address any troublesome symptoms promptly to prevent them from affecting their sleep and overall well-being. If you have any concerns about your allergies or sleep apnea, seek advice and support from our specialists at Atlanta Sleep Apnea Treatment Center. Call or message us online to schedule a consultation today.