When you think about allergic symptoms, what comes to mind? Do you picture someone sniffling and sneezing as they blow their nose? While these symptoms are tell-tale signs that someone is an allergy sufferer, there’s also a slew of other extra nasal symptoms that people with allergies often have to deal with as well.
Spring and summer allergies can also cause excessive sleepiness and fatigue. But why? How would having seasonal allergies make you feel like you need to take a nap?
To understand better, Premier Allergy has put together everything you need to know about why allergies cause fatigue.
What are Allergies?
By definition, allergies occur when your body is fighting off something. Your body uses a lot of energy to fight off allergens, proteins and foreign substances that build up during allergic response. Over time, even the healthiest of people start to feel worn out when battling allergies. In addition to trying to ward off stuffy noses and watery eyes, it’s not uncommon to feel completely exhausted.
Causes of Fatigue
Especially with seasonal allergy symptoms, a lot of people also tend to suffer from disrupted sleep. In fact, over 60 percent of allergy suffers report also report not getting a good night’s rest when allergy season is in full swing. It’s these extranasal symptoms that make us feel almost lethargic.
But why do allergies make sleeping so difficult? When in the midst of an allergy flare, you body sees those foreign substances as inflammatory invaders that it must destroy. So, in addition to trying to breathe through a stuffy nose, you may also have swelling of the throat and nasal passages, which in turn, makes sleeping nearly impossible.
Effects on Your Mood
If you’re like most people, you’re probably not in the best mood when you are tired. When combined with allergies, it sets the stage for a not-so-pretty picture. In fact, in some ways, you can think about allergies the same way you think about the chicken and the egg question.
Is it the ongoing stuffiness and sneezing causing you to feel irate, or is your low mood making your allergies noticeable? Since chronic stress and a foul mood go hand in hand, it’s only normal to feel a bit down, angry or just out of sorts when your allergies flare.
Treatment
The best way to combat allergy-induced fatigue is treating the underlying allergies. Once you you have better control over your allergic symptoms, the less worn out you will feel. Since your sleep will also improve, you’ll also feel less tired during the day. There are a lot of over-the-counter antihistamines you can use to reduce your allergy symptoms. However, as with any medication, you should check with your family physician or allergist before starting a new medication.
The Takeaway
Living with allergies isn’t always easy, but there are ways to make life just a little more bearable. If you’re still curious to how allergies can cause fatigue, contact Premier Allergy today. We’re happy to help you win the war against seasonal allergies and get a good night’s sleep.
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