Sleep Center

Allergies and sleep disorders

Problems breathing increase risk of insomnia

A stuffy nose, scratchy throat and sneezing can interrupt your day – and keep you up at night. Allergic reactions to what’s in the air or what you eat can bring on a heyday of symptoms, including poor sleep.

Allergy and sleep connections

Allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes cause difficulty breathing and can get worse at night. Without the rest you need, you may find yourself waking up on the grumpy side of the bed with little energy to get through your day.
 
More than 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergies to everything from pollen and pet hair to dust and foods. Your symptoms may lead to restless hours of insomnia, increased snoring, poor quality sleep or short sleep.

Untreated allergies can make breathing during the night more difficult. Instead of uninterrupted hours of quality sleep, you may wake up several times with a congested nose, sneezing or coughing fit.
 
At Goshen Physicians Sleep & Allergy Medicine, we understand the connection between allergies and sleep. Our team of experts offers treatments to help you breathe easier and sleep better.

Tips to relieve allergy symptoms

There's no sure cure for allergies. But you can take steps to curb your misery and get the Z’s you need.
 
Here's how to keep symptoms under control and breathe easy.
 
Use an air purifier. Cleaning devices help clear the air in the room so you can breathe easier. Filters capture common household allergens, such as mold, dust mites, pet dander and even pollen that comes in from the outdoors.
 
Close windows and doors. Stop pollen from entering your home through open doors and windows. When pollen count is high, keep the house closed as much as possible.
 
Keep pets out of the room. Pet hair and dander are two common causes of allergy symptoms. Separate sleeping spaces can lead to a restful night for you and your pet.
 
Change your cleaning routine. Take a shower and wash your clothes immediately after you come in from the outdoors. That helps wash away pollens that collect in your hair and on clothes.
 
Take allergy medicine. Over-the-counter allergy medications, like antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops, offer temporary relief. Check with your healthcare provider before taking any allergy medicine to make sure it's safe for you.

Talk with your healthcare provider

Your primary care provider can offer prescription medications and other remedies to help you control allergy symptoms and get a good night’s sleep.
 
Goshen Physicians Sleep & Allergy Medicine offers a full range of treatment options, including immunotherapy injections, environmental controls and lifestyle changes. Our team of experts, including a board certified sleep specialist, can help you get the relief you want and the sleep you need.

We can help

Call (574) 534-9911 to learn more about our approach to sleep disorders and allergies at Goshen Physicians Sleep & Allergy Medicine.