Are allergies causing you to snore?
- Posted on: Mar 15 2022
Spring is here, and as nature springs to life again you may start to notice those familiar signs that those annoying allergies are coming back. As if allergies aren’t bad enough to deal with during the day, they may also be causing you problems as you sleep, such as snoring and the even more serious sleep apnea.
What causes allergies?
Allergies are the body’s way of reacting to what it see as harmful substances, such as dust or pollen. The allergen enters the body through the nose, and the body responds by increasing blood flow and releasing inflammatory molecules to try to get rid of it. This causes nasal passages to swell, which can cause a stuffy nose. This is just one symptom of allergies, and it can also cause snoring (or an increase in snoring if you never used to snore). Other signs that you may have allergies include itchy eyes, sneezing, headaches, and the feeling that your head is congested.
If you have been having trouble sleeping and you think you might have allergies, you can try a few things to find relief:
- An air purifier in the bedroom can help to clear out allergens.
- A humidifier in the bedroom adds moisture to the air, which can help to break up mucus in the nose, which can help you to breathe easier.
- Elevating your head while you sleep at night with an additional pillow can help to clear the sinuses.
- Keeping your house very clean can help to reduce pollen and other allergens such as dust. Vacuum thoroughly and often (you might even consider getting rid of carpet, which accumulates dust), and wash bedding frequently.
- If you think you might be allergic to pets, close the door to your bedroom so that at least one room in the house can stay allergen-free.
Of course, allergies are just one possibility – there are a few different reasons you may be snoring. If you or your partner has noticed that you have been snoring more than you used to, or if you find yourself tired all the time, it may be time to get help. Call Sinus & Snoring Specialists in Austin, Texas, at (512) 601-0303 for an appointment today.
Tagged with: allergies, obstructive sleep apnea, Sleep apnea, Snoring
Posted in: Allergies, Sleep Apnea, Snoring
