How Poorly Controlled Allergies Can Affect Our Sleep

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.

Allergy Medications and how they can affect sleep

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.

Antihistamines: Non-sedating antihistamines such as Allegra and Claritin are associated with very few side effects and can often help with nasal allergy symptoms. While Zyrtec and Xyzal have a higher incidence of causing sedation, these medications are also considered generally safe to take for allergic conditions. Zyrtec and Xyzal have also been shown to be quite effective in relieving itching.
Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, which can be effective for some, have a much higher incidence of causing sedation and caution must be taken if sedating antihistamines are taken on a regular basis. In fact, these medications have been shown to cause cognitive impairment in some patients and studies have shown that there may be a link between prolonged use of sedating, 1st generation antihistamines (such as Benadryl) and increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Decongestants, which contain stimulants, should not be taken at night.
Anti-inflammatory Nasal and Lung Sprays: These medications are usually prescribed for allergic rhinitis and lower respiratory conditions. While they do contain “steroids”, absorption of the active ingredient is directed into the nasal or respiratory passageways , unlike systemic steroids, which have the potential to cause numerous side effects, including sleep disturbances.

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.

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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.

- Johnathon T
Dr. Engler is great and his staff, both medical and administrative, are wonderful. Dr. Engler is competent, caring, and listens better than any doctor I’ve ever had, constantly and patiently asking if I have any more questions. The staff is great. The nurses are very friendly and helpful. The desk staff is the same. I have been going here over a year and have always received caring and competent treatment. I highly recommend them.
- Tom B
Hands down the best place to go for Allergies and Asthma. The staff is incredibly kind and caring and so professional and helpful. I’ve been going here for over 30 years and they have gone out of their way countless times to make sure that I was well-cared-for. The nurses are excellent and always make sure to ask how my family is doing not to mention that they give the most painless allergy shots around. They remember little details about me and always make sure to give me a lollipop for my son, even when he’s not with me. Brooke is a great diagnostician and listener and each time I have an appointment with her, I always leave feeling better. The same is true for Dr. Engler.

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.

-Sandi S.
I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Dr. Engler and the staff were all extremely welcoming, warm, and thorough in their various lanes of work from the front desk to billing to the assistants to Dr. Engler himself.
One thing I wish I knew before coming in was that the food test covers 80 allergens, and the environmental test covers 80 allergens meaning if you want to do both you need to come two separate days. This is kind of a hassle but definitely worth it since you’ll be tested for 160 allergens whereas most clinics only test 80 total.
Through the tests I figured out what I was allergic to and was advised to use an over the counter medication which has drastically helped and eliminated the symptoms I was experiencing. Dr. Engler also covered all the things I needed to do to reduce my symptoms via my lifestyle which was super helpful with my symptom reduction as well. I’d highly recommend this clinic! Insurance covered the tests and visits. (I have anthem blue cross)
-Christina L
I’ve been a patient at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic for over 12 years, and I can’t speak highly enough of the care I’ve received. Growing up with severe pollen allergies, I’ve been on and off allergy shots for years, and this clinic has truly been a lifesaver for me.
From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and genuinely invested in your well-being. I have never had a negative experience with anyone here; everyone is consistently friendly and supportive.
Dr. Engler is exceptional! He has a remarkable ability to quickly and effectively address any situation. His expertise and compassionate approach have made a significant difference in managing my allergies.
If you’re struggling with allergies or asthma, this is the place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend The Allergy and Asthma Clinic to anyone seeking top-notch care.
-Trevor C