Is it Allergies or Sleep Apnea? How to Know and What to Do
It’s that time of the year again. Warmer weather and sunny skies beckon all to enjoy the outdoors, from picnics to hikes to even walks around the block just to enjoy this perfect season. Trees are blooming, flowers are popping back up from the ground, birds are chirping – and pollen is running amuck on your sinuses.
In the words of Winifred Sanders from the movie Hocus Pocus, “Oh, look. Another glorious morning. Makes me sick!” While springtime is beloved by plant, animal and human alike, there’s hardly a person out there who isn’t affected by allergies to some degree. And some are affected so severely that their sleep behavior suffers as well.
Allergies, the irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages caused by airborne allergens, can sometimes cause disruptions in sleep patterns that are not too different from sleep apnea. Nasal congestion blocks airways, causing the sleeper to have interrupted sleep throughout the night. This constant interruption can lead to snoring and daytime fatigue and sleepiness. Sounds familiar, right?
Sleep apnea, similarly, is the condition where breathing pauses for 10 seconds at a time throughout the night. This continual pausing is caused either by the brain’s miscommunication to the respiratory system or, more commonly, the throat muscle’s constriction blocking the sleeper’s airways, leading to constant sleep interruptions and snoring.
But with such closely related symptoms, how can you tell when your snoring and disrupted shut-eye is caused by sleep apnea or just seasonal allergies, and what can you do about it? Here are the differences and similarities between the two conditions, the symptoms associated with each of them, and what can be done to treat them for a more restful night’s sleep.
Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin or any area
Problems with smell
Runny nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Stuffy nose due to nasal congestion
Coughing
Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
Sore throat
Dark circles under the eyes
Puffiness under the eyes
Fatigue and irritability
Headache
Treatment:
To reduce the effects of allergies during the day, you can take over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin, or a decongestant like Mucinex or Sudafed. For a more immediate treatment that doesn’t involve medication, you can always use a saline nasal spray and then message VapoRub onto your chest. If nothing else seems to work, you can always ask your doctor about the option of receiving allergy shots. These shots can help you feel better for a long time. But, you should know about the cost of allergy shots without insurance. It’s important to talk to your doctor about this so you can make the best choice for you. They can give you advice and help you understand everything you need to know.
At night, however, consider investing in a hypoallergenic pillow that won’t trap pollen, dust or other allergen irritants in its fibers. You should also consider purchasing a humidifier to moisten the air in your bedroom that can treat any dry sinuses and cracked lips (from breathing through your mouth), as well as soothing any other respiratory conditions. If you already have a humidifier, then be sure to change the water regularly.
Quality Sleep Can Help You Beat S.A.D. This Winter.
Quality Sleep Can Help You Beat S.A.D. This Winter.
Previous slide
Next slide
Alaska Sleep Clinic's Blog
Our weekly updated blog aims to provide you with answers and information to all of your sleeping questions.
“Alaska Sleep Clinic has a history of providing the most comprehensive sleep medicine services in the state of Alaska. Its potential has only begun. I am here to take these high-quality, comprehensive services to all Alaskans.”
Experience
Brent Fisher has held leadership positions spanning a wide variety of complex and start-up organizations: manufacturing (pharmaceutical & medical device), software development, hospitals (academic and community), medical groups, consulting, hospice, military, engineered devices, engineered plastics, and private equity.
Publications and Organizations
His writings have been published in various magazines, trade journals, and medical journals, including the Physician Executive Journal, Healthcare Executive, Modern Healthcare, Group Practice Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, and Journal of Healthcare Management (Best Article Award).
He has served on the Board of Directors of professional associations, civic organizations, and businesses.
Hobbies and Activities
Brent enjoys being with his family, serving in the community, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.