More tired than usual? Could your allergies be to blame?

Posted: 17th August 2022 | Posted by Costa

More tired than usual? Could your allergies be to blame?

There’s a long list of symptoms we associate with allergies. From sneezing and a runny nose, to difficulty breathing and skin rashes, we all know the more common ones. But what about feeling more tired than usual? Could your drowsiness actually be another allergy symptom?

It’s easy to chalk tiredness down to a bad night’s sleep or stressful day. But there are many ways your allergies could be contributing. In fact, up to 57% of adults and 88% of children who experience hay fever suffer from sleep problems as a result. So today, we’re looking at three ways your allergies could be creating or worsening your tiredness.

Your body’s allergic response

When exposed to an allergen, your body’s immune response kicks into action. It shifts into overdrive, trying to fight off and destroy whatever it is you’re reacting to. In the process, it produces a chemical called histamine, which triggers inflammation.

But histamine can also lead to other symptoms, including itchiness, swelling, difficulty breathing, and – you guessed it – tiredness. Not to mention, the very act of your body trying to fight off a foreign substance can be tiring in and of itself. 

Disrupted sleep

There’s nothing worse than a bad night’s sleep. But when you’re dealing with persistent allergies, this can quickly become the new normal. Common allergy symptoms such as congestion, coughing, or sneezing can all prevent you from falling asleep – or lead to disrupted sleep once you drift off. 

You’ve probably also heard of sleep apnoea. This is a disorder that causes interrupted breathing throughout the night. If your allergies leave you congested, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth. And this puts you at greater risk of sleep apnoea, which could lead to some very un-restful nights. 

Sinusitis

Frequent allergy sufferers are more likely to experience sinus problems like sinusitis, where the lining of your sinuses becomes aggravated and inflamed. And while many symptoms of allergies and sinusitis are the same, sinusitis has additional symptoms, such as face pain and swelling, fatigue, and headaches – all of which could leave you in need of a few extra naps. 

Sinusitis is also the reason some people associate allergies with brain fog. It reduces the amount of oxygen you take in, and combined with congestion and nasal pressure, it can result in decreased cognitive function and those pesky foggy feelings.

Feeling tired isn’t unusual for any of us. But if you’re a lot more drowsy than normal, it could be a sign you’re reacting to something, or that an existing allergy is getting worse. And if you think your allergy could be the culprit, it might be time to bring in some professional support. 

If you want help in identifying your allergens or minimising their reactions, we’d love to help. Our allergy experts can give you the advice you need to get a good night’s sleep. You can register as a new patient or call us on 02031 433 449.