If you're constantly waking up congested, snoring more than usual, or struggling with restless sleep, the culprit may be seasonal or environmental allergies. But did you know that allergies and sleep apnea are closely connected?
At Houston Sleep Associates, we often see patients whose sleep apnea symptoms worsen during allergy season. Understanding this connection can help you take steps to breathe better and sleep more soundly, year-round.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to substances that are usually harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. These allergens can trigger a cascade of symptoms, including:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Post-nasal drip
- Coughing
- Inflammation in the nasal passages and throat
When these symptoms are ongoing or worsen at night, they can directly impact your breathing during sleep and possibly contribute to or exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
How Allergies Can Impact Sleep
Allergies and Sleep Apnea
Allergies can narrow your upper airway, making it harder to breathe through your nose. This increased resistance can lead to mouth breathing, poor oxygen flow, and even airway collapse during sleep, a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea.
Here’s how the two conditions are connected:
- Nasal congestion from allergies restricts airflow, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep
- Inflamed tissues in the nose and throat can worsen snoring and increase the frequency of apneas
- Mouth breathing dries out the airway, further irritating tissues and potentially triggering more apneic episodes
- CPAP users may find it harder to tolerate therapy if their nose is chronically stuffy
Allergic inflammation increases the likelihood of the upper airway collapsing, especially during REM sleep when muscle tone is lowest, creating a perfect environment for apnea events to occur.
Why Are Allergies Worse at Night?
Many allergy sufferers notice their symptoms worsen at bedtime. Here’s why:
- Dust mites thrive in mattresses, bedding, and pillows—triggering allergic reactions when you're lying down
- Pollen and pet dander can cling to hair, clothes, and furniture, increasing exposure as you settle in
- Air circulation systems may stir up allergens that settle during the day
- Gravity contributes to increased nasal congestion when lying flat, further obstructing airflow
When your nasal passages are blocked at night, you're more likely to experience snoring, disrupted sleep, and even prolonged apnea episodes if you're predisposed to OSA.
Allergies Can Also Have Other Effects on Sleep Quality
Allergies not only trigger sleep apnea but can also cause:
- Difficulty falling asleep due to nasal irritation or sneezing
- Frequent nighttime awakenings from coughing or post-nasal drip
- Daytime fatigue and brain fog from poor-quality sleep
- Restless sleep cycles due to oxygen disruption
To reduce these effects, consider adopting the following allergy-proofing sleep hygiene habits:
Replace Air Filters
Swap out HVAC and air purifier filters every 1–2 months, especially during high-pollen seasons. Look for HEPA filters specifically designed to trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
Close Your Windows and Doors
While it’s tempting to let in a cool breeze, open windows invite outdoor allergens inside, especially in spring and fall. Keep them closed and use filtered air conditioning instead.
Invest in a New Mattress
Old mattresses can be a haven for dust mites. Consider upgrading to a hypoallergenic or allergen-resistant mattress, especially if yours is more than 8 years old.
Wash Your Bedding Frequently
Use hot water to wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week. Choose allergen-barrier covers for pillows and mattresses to keep dust mites at bay.
Clean Your Home Regularly
Vacuum using a HEPA-filter vacuum, dust with damp cloths, and remove pet hair and dander often. If allergies are severe, consider hiring a professional cleaning service during high pollen or allergen exposure seasons.
Breathe Easier, Sleep Better
At Houston Sleep Associates, we understand how intertwined sleep apnea and allergies can be. If you’re experiencing nasal congestion, worsening snoring, or increased daytime fatigue—especially during allergy season—we can help you identify the root cause of the problem.
Our comprehensive evaluations include:
- Sleep studies (at-home or in-lab)
- CPAP alternatives like oral appliance therapy
- Collaboration with ENTs for allergy and nasal airflow management
- Personalized sleep plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
📍 Serving patients throughout Houston, Midtown, The Heights, River Oaks, Montrose, Memorial, and beyond, we’re here to help you wake up refreshed, free of congestion and fatigue.
🛌 Call Houston Sleep Associates or book a consultation online today to get started.