It is a known fact that poorly controlled allergies can affect the outcome of recuperative sleep. Allergy symptoms that can affect a good night’s sleep include persistent nasal congestion, post nasal drip, cough, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and generalized itching, hives and skin rashes.
Let’s face it, if your nose is congested, or mucus is constantly dripping down the back of your throat, sleep can be disrupted, leading a myriad of subsequent problems, including daytime sleepiness, fatigue and even cognitive impairment. Nasal allergies are directly linked to nasal congestion, but fortunately, there are effective treatments available, both OTC and prescription, which can help provide relief.
Cough, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath can also contribute to poor sleep. As with persistent nasal symptoms, many who experience chest symptoms have an underlying environmental allergy, which may sometimes lead to asthma. In May of 2020, an article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) cited that “too little sleep, and occasionally too much sleep, can negatively impact adults with asthma”. If asthma has been diagnosed, it is important to coordinate care with an allergist to keep the underlying allergies under optimum control and to start treatment to help reduce airway inflammation.
Itching, skin rashes and hives are notorious for keeping people up at night. Both adults and children often report poor sleep as a result of persistent itching and discomfort. Treatment for skin conditions include addressing the underlying allergy, using hypoallergenic products, aggressive use of moisturizers and periodic use of topical creams and ointments.
When the clinical decision is made to start a medication, one of the biggest concerns is to weigh the potential benefits of the medication versus the potential for an adverse reaction. Although most allergy and asthma medications are generally safe, some can be associated with side effects, which can further aggravate a sleepless night.
We all deserve a good night’s rest. Keeping your underlying allergies under the best control can help you achieve that goal! If allergies or asthma are disrupting your sleep, please contact us. We are here to help.
San Mateo Office
Daly City Office
Food Allergies
Insect Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Skin allergies
Other CommonAllergies
Nose & Sinus Allergies
Lifestyle Changes
First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.
My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.
