How Do Allergies Make You Feel Sleepy
You dont really need somebody else to tell you that allergies can make you tired. But whats the science behind the whole thing? Well, the answer is simpler than you may think.
Many people experience coughing, sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose when their allergies are acting up, which makes it harder to sleep at night. They toss and turn all night, then wake up feeling like they hardly got a wink of sleep.
Depression Anxiety And Fatigue
Symptoms: Sadness feeling hopeless, worthless, and helpless fatigue
Sometimes, depression or anxiety is at the root of chronic fatigue. Depression affects twice as many women as men and often runs in families. It commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 30.
Postpartum depression can happen after the birth of a baby. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter, with feelings of fatigue and sadness. Major depression is also one part of bipolar disorder.
With depression, you might be in a depressed mood most of the day. You may have little interest in normal activities. Along with feelings of fatigue, you may eat too much or too little, over- or under-sleep, feel hopeless and worthless, and have other serious symptoms.
- Feeling “on alert” most of the time
- Feeling of impending doom
If you are depressed or have regular symptoms of anxiety, talk to your doctor and get a physical exam. If there is no physical cause for the depression or anxiety, your doctor may talk with you about treatment options, and may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for a psychological evaluation.
Although the specific causes of depression and/or anxiety are unclear, these are highly treatable medical problems. Medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two can help relieve symptoms.
Viral Or Bacterial Infection And Fatigue
Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, head or body aches.
Fatigue can be a symptom of infections ranging from the flu to HIV. If you have an infection, you’ll probably have other symptoms like fever, head or body aches, shortness of breath, or appetite loss.
Infections that may cause fatigue include:
Treating the infection often relieves your fatigue. But some infections, including mononucleosis and COVID-19, can lead to long-lasting tiredness.
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You Carried Pollen With You
Pollen is one of the major allergy culprits and is especially prevalent around springtime. Pollen is essentially a fine powder created by certain plants and travels through the air because of wind. Though its commonly found outside, your allergies might feel worse at night because pollen has gotten into your bedroom, either through your clothes, belongings, or hair.
Research has also shown that pollen levels in some types of plants tend to rise around nighttime. To ensure you enjoy an uninterrupted nights sleep and find allergy relief, its essential to put your clothes in the wash, take a shower as soon as you get home, and keep your bedroom windows closed.
Tips For Getting Quality Sleep With Allergies
If your allergies are keeping you up at night or causing fatigue during the day, itâs important to take the proper steps to get quality sleep each night. Below are a few simple tips that can help you get a good nightâs sleep so you can feel rested and alert during the day, even if allergies are a problem.
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When To See A Doctor
If you have allergy symptoms but over-the-counter medications arent helping you feel better, then its important to see a doctor.
Your primary care provider or an allergist can help you identify whats causing your allergies, how to avoid triggers, and medication or other treatments that might help.
While mild or moderate allergies arent considered a medical emergency, an allergy may cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.
- Skin reactions, such as hives, flushing, or itching
- Swollen tongue or throat
- Weak, rapid pulse
Invest In A Hypoallergenic Mattress
Dust mites and pet dander basically live in the crevices of your mattress, which means they might go unnoticed until youre hit with an allergy attack. This is where a hypoallergenic mattress comes in. When picking one, its essential to consider a few different factors.
In addition to being the most comfortable mattress, your new bed should ideally have a washable cover. Washing your mattress cover regularly is one of the best ways to protect your health and prevent the buildup of dust mites and dander.
When investing in a new mattress, be sure to pick one thats also best for sleep. A hybrid mattress is an ideal choice if youre looking for that perfect level of support and comfort. Essentially, hybrid mattresses are a cross between traditional innerspring mattresses and memory foam, which means they deliver the right amount of stability and cushioning comfort.
In case youre not in the market for a new mattress, consider supplementing your current one with a hypoallergenic mattress protector and sheets so that you can keep the allergens at bay.
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Consider Immunotherapy Allergy Drops
While allergy medications provide short-term relief from symptoms, and often lose their effectiveness if overused, immunotherapy is a more long-term approach to allergy fatigue treatment. Immunotherapy slowly introduces the body to more and more of the allergen it is allergic to so that it builds up a tolerance and no longer reacts as strongly. Allergy shots are an older form of immunotherapy that are very effective, but this treatment has some associated risks and requires frequent office visits. Allergy drops are just as effective but can be done easily from home with daily drops under the tongue, making this one of the best ways to manage and eliminate allergies causing fatigue.
Your Medication Is Wiping You Out
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick
Zyrtec Allergy Relief Tablets + Itch Relief Stick
Certain allergy medications, including first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine can make you feel tired, says Stanley Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Antihistamines block the receptors for histamine in the body, and there is a receptor for histamine in the brain that keeps you alert, he explains. When certain antihistamines reach your brain, they can make you feel sleepy as a result. Thats why Dr. Monteleone says she often encourages patients to use second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine . Theyre non-sedating and tend to have less of that fatigue-causing property, she says.
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Why Do Seasonal Allergies Make Us Tired
Seasonal allergies can do more than just cause a runny nose or coughwhen left untreated, they can lead to drowsiness and poor concentration, too.
Allergy fatigue is the result of your body working hard to fight off a foreign invader. Its similar to the way your body fights a virus like the common cold or the flu, which can also leave you feeling drained.
When you have an allergic response to something like dust, pollen, or pet dander, your body also releases proteins , which can cause inflammation in your nose. Chronic inflammation has been linked to fatigue and depression.
Allergies can also indirectly cause you to feel tired during the day by disrupting your sleep at night. Common allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and congestion can make it hard to get a good nights rest, making it hard to stay focused the next day.
Treating seasonal allergy tiredness isnt always simple, either. Common medications like Benadryl often cause drowsiness as a side effect. Fortunately, there are ways to manage fatigue and stay alert during allergy season.
How Can You Treat Fatigue Caused By Allergies
The good news is there are many ways to get allergy relief so you can get rid of that looming, tired feeling. The first step in finding this relief is getting tested for allergies, so you know whats causing your symptoms. Then you can work together with your doctor to find an allergy treatment thats right for you.
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Consider Keeping Pets Out Of The Bedroom
Having pets on the bed can be an issue even if this isnt your primary allergy, since pets can have dust, pollen or other allergens clinging to their fur when they enter the room. Those with a pet dander allergy should strongly consider keeping pets off of the bed or out of the bedroom to make sleeping easier without allergy symptoms.
Are You Struggling With Allergy
Dr. Chacko and his team can help you identify what allergens are keeping you awake at night and come up with an allergy treatment plan that is right for you. Schedule an appointment at one of the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at .
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Just Keep Breathin Its Not Always That Easy
In her 2018 hit single, Ariana Grande talked about the physical effects of anxiety and some serious allergy sufferers may relate .
Allergies can also impair a persons physical ability to breathe, which means youre not getting as much oxygen as you usually need. That means your body has to work harder, which wears you down more quickly.
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Sleepless In The Springtime
Another big reason why youre longing to lie down? It might be a lack of sleep caused by your allergy symptoms. Sniffling, sneezing and congestion can make it very difficult to relax and drift off to dreamland. Eventually, those missed minutes and hours will catch up with you.
What can you do? Here are some quick tips:
- Take a shower before bed: Clean all of those allergens off before settling down
- Wash the sheets: Do it at least once a week to keep them free of allergens, too
- Raise your head: Sleeping with your head elevated can reduce nasal congestion
- P-U-R-I F-Y lets purify! Consider buying an air purifier to help your bedrooms air quality
- Forgo the four-legged friends: Pets are great snuggle buddies, but if youre allergic to their dander, its best to keep them out of your room while you get a good nights rest. You can make it up to them with belly rubs in the morning.
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Allergies Can Worsen Sleep Apnea
Allergies can make certain sleeping conditions worse. Symptoms like inflammation and stuffy nose often cause you to breathe improperly, which can cause or worsen snoring and sleep apnea. When your airways are blocked or restricted, the lungs and even the heart struggle to get enough oxygen. The lack of air causes your body to wake itself up, interrupting your sleep sometimes hundreds of times in a given night. This explains the exhaustion that most people experience when suffering from sleep apnea, especially if allergies are making things worse.
Does Yale Medicine Offer Specialized Allergy Care
Yale Medicines Allergy & Clinical Immunology physicians have expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies and immunologic diseases. The department schedules weekly conferences to guide care of complex allergy cases, so patients benefit from multiple expert opinions.
In addition, we conduct research to determine the molecular basis of allergic disorders in order to develop new ways to treat people with allergies. Our goal is to help you better enjoy the seasons as they turn by keeping the achoos in check.
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How To Prevent Allergy Fatigue
The best way to prevent allergy fatigue is to find an effective treatment option for your allergies. The first step in managing allergies and preventing symptoms like fatigue is to find out which specific allergens trigger your reactions. After this diagnosis, there are ways to minimize allergies and avoid fatigue. You can minimize allergy fatigue in several ways:
How To Deal With Tiredness Caused By Allergies
The answer to the question, can allergies make you tired, is yes. Your allergies, along with your medications, can make you feel tired. The best remedy for tiredness is to control your allergies.
1. Common Treatments
First, get tested by a specialist to find your allergen, then clear or control that substance in your home and office environment. Second, the doctor may also prescribe an antihistamine and other medications such as a leukotriene modifier to control your immune system function. If that doesnât work, you may take some allergy shots to alleviate the symptoms.
2. Ensure an Uninterrupted Sleep
To feel less tired, it is necessary for you to get enough sleep. Being able to get uninterrupted sleep will improve the quality of your life. To improve sleep, you must be able to breathe well at night by using topical steroids as nasal spray. These will relieve nasal congestion and make you breathe and sleep better at night, thus preventing tiredness during daytime. Some experts also recommend taking vitamin C supplements, which have natural antihistamine effects.
3. Nasal Irrigation
Allergy experts recommend nasal irrigation as first-line treatment for allergy symptoms, since it is often more effective than oral medications, or it can also be used with traditional treatments. The less congested you are, the less likely youâll feel eye discomfot and headache, which can all contribute to tiredness.
4. Deal With Drug-Related Sleepiness
5. Home Care Options
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Allergies Hay Fever And Fatigue
Symptoms: Fatigue, headache, itchiness, nasal congestion, and drainage
Allergic rhinitis is a common cause of chronic fatigue. But allergic rhinitis often can be easily treated and self-managed. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will assess your symptoms. The doctor will also find out, through a detailed history or testing, whether your allergies are triggered by pollens, insects , animal dander, molds and mildew, weather changes, or something else.
One way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis — including fatigue — is to take steps to avoid the offending allergen. In addition, proper medication can help with symptoms. Drugs that might help include:
- Leukotriene modifiers
- Mast cell stabilizers
Allergy shots — immunotherapy — may help in severe cases. This treatment involves weekly shots of increasingly higher solutions of the offending allergens. Allergy shots take time to be effective and are usually administered over a period of 3 to 5 years.
All About Allergy Fatigue
When we think about our allergy symptoms we typically think of the “normal” symptoms – Runny nose, cough, itchy eyes. Allergy fatigue is the lurking symptom that we seem to forget about or not realize, even though it takes a big toll on our bodies. Individuals with allergies are 76% more likely to feel unrested during the day.
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Why Cant I Just Catch Up On Sleep At Night
Its not that you cant sleep, its that allergies can cause both insomnia and very fragmented sleep, explains Dr. Kansagra, who serves as the director of Dukes Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program. The inability to fall asleep, or period waking, is due mainly to irritation and discomfort. Allergies may cause mucous buildup, and swelling and inflammation in the airway that can lead to sleep apnea, which is intermittent blockages in your airway while you sleep, said Dr. Kansagra. This leads to low quality of sleep.
Remember, when allergies are triggered, your body is waging war against the allergens.
A meta-analysis in the Public Library of Science looked at the association between allergic rhinitis and sleep. Researchers found that those with allergies reported higher incidents of nocturnal dysfunctions, including insomnia, restless sleep, sleep-disordered breathing, and snoring. The same research also found the nighttime issues led to daytime dysfunction, including difficulty waking up, daytime sleepiness, morning headache, and the use of sleep medications.
Even if you cant remember waking up from your allergy symptoms during the night, you probably did, says Dr. Haden. Even getting the recommended eight hours of sleep doesnt mean that those were eight quality hours of deep sleep, he adds.
Lying Down Can Make Your Allergies Worse
When you lie down, everything thats in your nose travels to the back of your throat. This can trigger coughing and wheezing and make it tougher to breathe at night. The best way to ease some of the discomfort associated with lying down and the worsening allergy symptoms is to prop your head up with a few pillows.
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Why Do Allergies Make Us Tired
In the United States, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Allergens can exist both indoors and outdoors, and it can be a challenge to limit your exposure to them. When it comes to indoor and outdoor allergies, there are a few common culprits that can cause seasonal or recurring allergic reactions such as sinus swelling, nasal congestion or a runny nose, watery eyes, and tiredness. The most common triggers include dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet danderâall of which may cause fatigue.
If Allergies Make You Tired Fastmed Can Help
Managing your allergy symptoms starts by finding the source of your allergies. FastMed offers allergy testing at all locations. Be sure to let us know about any over-the-counter medications you are already taking to relieve your symptoms.
Keeping an allergy log is another tool that can help identify what is causing your symptoms. When you feel especially fatigued, jot down what you were exposed to that day.
Your FastMed provider may recommend combination treatments, including prescription medication, nasal sprays and eye drops. Well also discuss over-the-counter medications that are less likely to make you feel drowsy but can still alleviate your symptoms.
For more severe allergies, ask your FastMed professional if you are a good candidate for allergy shots. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America confirms that allergy shots are a highly effective treatment, reducing symptoms in about 85% of people with allergies.
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