People with allergies often have a reduced quality of sleep. To improve it, it is best to treat the problem at its source, however medication and some advice can improve the situation.
- Allergic rhinitis is caused by pollen circulating in the air, especially in the spring.
- Rhinitis causes various symptoms and interferes with sleep.
- Certain drugs and good habits can improve the quality of the nights, however the ideal is to follow a desensitization.
The arrival of spring is not a happy time for allergy sufferers. Nature wakes up with all its pollens. The main symptoms of allergies are runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing attacks. At the same time, allergies can also affect sleep. According to a survey conducted by theAsthma and Allergy Foundation of America59% of allergy sufferers suffer from sleep disturbances due to their symptoms, which can also affect the quality of their partner’s sleep.
Why do allergies affect sleep?
In The Huffington Post, Dr. Mark Holbreich, member of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, explains that allergies can cause the nasal passages to swell and therefore prevent the normal circulation of air in our airways. This phenomenon is exacerbated by lying down. For affected allergy sufferers, this can easily turn into a vicious circle, as allergies tire the body. In addition, people with allergies are also more prone to sleep apnea, a study by Breath Carereveals that in case of allergic rhinitis, the probability of being affected increases by 44%.
Follow some tips for better sleep
It is possible to improve the quality of your nights by creating conditions conducive to sleep. According to’Sleep Vigilance Institute, the temperature of the room must be between 18 and 20°C, coffee and tea are to be avoided after 2 p.m. and screens are prohibited at least one hour before bedtime. At the same time, it is recommended to wash your hair before bed to reduce the risk of bringing pollen into bed, and for the same reason, laundry, especially sheets, should be dried indoors. . It is also recommended to close the windows at night and open them in the morning.
Fight nasal congestion
For those who suffer from poor sleep related to their stuffy nose, they should do their best to clear the nasal cavity from bedtime. A saline solution may help, or a doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray to help restore the ability to breathe. However, cold medicines should be avoided. “They are effective for three to five days, but if you use them for a longer period, you may get congestion from that overuse”explained Dr. Mark Holbreich to the Huffington Post. “Over-the-counter decongestants provide immediate relief, but they are not suitable for use throughout allergy season.”.
The most lasting solution is desensitization, but it takes time. “It is a kind of vaccine treatment for allergies, based on the regular administration of allergenic extracts for a prolonged period, ideally 3 to 5 years. explains theInserm.
