Spring Allergies Could Be Wrecking Your Sleep (Important!)
When you’re sneezing nonstop, your eyes are watery, and your nose feels like it’s been through a wind tunnel, sleep is probably the last thing on your mind.
But it should be.
Because according to new research, spring allergies—also called pollinosis—might not just be making your days miserable. They could be stealing your nights, too.
Researchers recently found a strong connection between hay fever and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS)—a serious condition that causes breathing interruptions during sleep.
And if you’re over 60, it’s time to take notice.
The study looked at data from over 6,500 adults and found that folks with hay fever were 29% more likely to also experience sleep apnea symptoms like snoring, gasping for air at night, and daytime fatigue.
Now, this doesn’t mean your runny nose causes sleep apnea—but it does suggest that the inflammation and congestion from allergies might make it harder to breathe properly while you sleep.
And that spells trouble for your overall health.
You see, untreated sleep apnea can raise your risk for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Memory problems
- And even insulin resistance
The tricky part? Many people don’t know they have it.
So if you’re waking up groggy, have a dry mouth in the morning, or your partner mentions that you snore or stop breathing at night—don’t ignore it.
Especially if you also deal with seasonal allergies. Here’s what you can do:
- Talk to your doctor. If you’re showing signs of sleep apnea, they may suggest a sleep study or other evaluation—particularly if your allergy symptoms are worsening in the spring.
- Manage your allergies naturally. Try a HEPA filter in your bedroom, shower after being outdoors, and rinse nasal passages with saline. These simple steps can help reduce nighttime congestion.
- Support better breathing with lifestyle changes. Keep your bedroom cool, elevate your
head slightly, and avoid alcohol before bed—all of which can help open up airways.
We’ve talked before about the dangers of Big Pharma overmedicating allergy symptoms with harsh antihistamines that can leave you foggy and dried out. So if you’re looking for gentler support, consider natural antihistamines like quercetin or stinging nettle.
And if you’re already managing both allergies and poor sleep, this research is a good reminder: it’s not all in your head—it might be in your nose.
Let’s make sure spring brings more blooms and better rest—not fatigue and frustration.
To breathing easy,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
P.S. Click here to learn the simple steps to help kick allergies to the curb!
Sources:
Singh, M. (2025, March 24). Pollinosis Linked to Increased Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome. Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pollinosis-linked-increased-risk-obstructive-sleep-apnea-2025a10006xl
