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Allergies Can Ruin a Good Night’s Sleep
Blossoming flowers and blooming trees are gorgeous, but for the 40 million Americans living with allergies, they can also be a major bummer. See, allergies don’t just make you miserable during your waking hours: They can also mess with your sleep, according to a new survey released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Teva Respiratory, a subsidiary of a pharmaceutical company.
Of the 2,000 U.S. adults polled, 59 percent reported having sleep issues. In the survey, this was defined as any kind of sleep disruption, although previous research has linked allergies with a more serious sleep disorder—obstructive sleep apnea—because of their nasal allergy symptoms.
In addition to the nearly six out of 10 allergy sufferers who said their allergies impacted their sleep quality, 48 percent said that their symptoms also interrupted their partner’s sleep.
Want to make allergy season much more bearable—and keep it from messing with your Zzzzs? Arm yourself with these tools and strategies:
The Best OTC Seasonal Allergy Meds
How to Look Your Best This Allergy Season
Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock
More from WH:
Are Your Allergies Making You Fat?
Your Body On Allergies
Would You Recognize Anaphylaxis?
Does Having Asthma Mean You Have Allergies?
Asthma sufferers, beware: If your symptoms tend to act up this time of year, it might not actually be your asthma that’s bothering you. Turns out, 75 percent of asthmatic adults between the ages of 20 to 40 have at least one allergy, according to a study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Adults aged 55 and older with asthma fare only slightly better; 65 percent have some type of allergy.
Researchers analyzed data from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to see if respondents were allergic to anything on a list of 19 indoor and outdoor allergens. Though previous research has shown that approximately 60 to 80 percent of children and young adults with asthma are sensitive to at least one allergen, this new study demonstrates that, of the 18.7 million adults suffering from asthma, most are battling allergies, too—even though they may not realize it. “Allergies can affect you at any age,” says Clifford Bassett, MD, medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York, who was not involved in the study. “Local allergists should evaluate these individuals for possible allergic triggers so that they can be properly treated.”
It doesn’t work the other way around, though: Having allergies doesn’t mean you’re likely to suffer from asthma. Allergy symptoms involve irritated eyes, a stuffy nose, and a scratchy throat. Asthma, on the other hand, attacks the lungs and constricts airways.
Whether you have asthma or not, taking any allergy-relief pill won’t necessarily ease itchiness and sniffles. Bassett suggests consulting a physician to pinpoint whether your symptoms are due to allergies, a cold, or sinus issues—so you can get the proper treatment and actually enjoy the spring weather.
photo: Photodisc/Thinkstock
More from Women’s Health:
Fight Seasonal Allergies
Your Body On…Allergies
Allergies: Lifestyle Tips
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Help for Those With Food Allergies: Yoga Off the Mat
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Why Your Allergies Started Early This Year
Got a stuffy nose, itchy eyes and a cough that just won’t quit?
Yep, spring allergy season—in all her congested glory—has come early this year.
According to Dr. Stanley Fineman, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the mild winter is to blame. “Typically the pollen season continues through springtime, so we’re anticipating a longer season—which can also mean more severe symptoms for allergy patients,” says Fineman.
Depending on where you live, you’ll feel the effects of seasonal allergies to varying degrees. You can check the pollen counts in your area at the web site of the National Allergy Bureau (or, check the Top 10 Worst Cities for Allergy Sufferers below).
Determining whether you’ve got a full-fledged cold or whether you have allergies can be tricky; the symptoms are pretty similar, says Dr. Fineman. As a general rule of thumb, if your symptoms last longer than a week, and you’ve got clear (healthy) mucus in your tissues, it’s probably allergies. If mucus is yellow or green, you may have a sinus infection. If your symptoms include fever and body aches, you could have a cold or the flu.
Suspect you might be allergic to pollen? See an allergist to get tested. If you already know you’re allergic, here are some ways to minimize exposure and protect yourself:
- Keep windows closed
- Wear sunglasses outside (even if it’s not sunny)
- Shower, or at least change your clothes, right when you get home so that any pesky pollen you’ve picked up outdoors won’t get spread around in your house
- Consider getting an air humidifier or an air purifier
If things get really rough, you can pop an antihistamine, or even talk to your allergist about getting allergy shots.
The 10 Worst Cities For Allergy Sufferers
(according to a study released today by Waterpik and The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
1. Knoxville, TN
2. McAllen, TX
3. Louisville, KY
4. Jackson, MS
5. Wichita, KS
6. Oklahoma City, OK
7. Chattanooga, TN
8. Memphis, TN
9. San Antonio, TX
10. Dayton, OH
More from WH on surviving allergy season:
Get Rid of Allergy Symptoms
All About Allergies
The Best Seasonal Allergy Medicine
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