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Allergy is a condition characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system
Allergy is a condition characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system. In a normal state, the immune system identifies foreign agents that may disrupt the body's normal function, such as bacteria, viruses, or other pollutants, and works to eliminate them. Allergy is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly identifies other substances and fights against them. These substances are called allergens, and they can be common in our natural environment - substances like dust, mold, pollen, various foods, medications, laundry detergents, and even tiny household animals like house dust mites - microscopic animals found almost everywhere!
When the immune system mistakenly identifies the allergen as a harmful agent, it works to eliminate it from our bodies. However, this mistake results in various and peculiar symptoms. Among other things, allergies can manifest in nasal congestion, multiple rashes, chronic cough, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and more. In certain cases, allergy can also trigger allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis (eczema), and in very severe cases, allergy can lead to a systemic reaction that can be life-threatening. Due to its increasing prevalence, allergy is considered the new epidemic of the Western world, with about twenty percent of the population suffering from some form of allergy.
Deep and quality sleep is important for various aspects of physical and mental health. In children and adolescents, it directly affects physical development, learning abilities, and more. Unstable sleep can lead to impairment of the immune system, partly due to the inhibition of melatonin and growth hormone release, which encourage healing processes. Numerous studies indicate that allergy can affect sleep quality and, in many cases, is a leading cause of sleep disorders.
Sleep impairment results from various allergy-related mechanisms. For example, allergies that cause nasal congestion increase the likelihood of experiencing sleep-disordered breathing. In this condition, the airways are partially or completely blocked for several seconds, leading to arousal and sleep disturbance. Many studies conducted on children have found a proven link between allergic rhinitis and daytime sleepiness, and as nasal symptoms worsen, sleep disturbances also increase. Generally, upper or lower airway obstruction or congestion originating from allergies will likely result in sleep quality impairment.
Asthma affects a significant percentage of the population (over eight percent of the population in the United States suffers from asthma!). Symptoms of asthma such as nighttime attacks or severe coughing often appear only at night, leading in many cases to sleep fragmentation issues. Histamine is one of the inflammatory mediators released in excess during asthma attacks and is involved in wakefulness and arousal cycles, leading to sleep disruption. Various studies show that sleep disturbances and frequent awakenings due to asthma attacks directly lead to decreased performance in schoolchildren.
Allergic diseases such as eczema cause sleep discomfort manifested by skin scratching, which often leads to difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings during the night. Additionally, other allergy symptoms that can cause sleep disturbances include throat irritation, dry eyes, and coughing.
An important part of treating sleep problems caused by allergies is diagnosis and identifying the connection between allergies and sleep problems. When the patient knows that their fatigue is closely related to the disease, strategies for coping can be initiated.
First and foremost, it is important to control allergic disease. If we can reduce allergy symptoms, we can significantly improve the sleep quality of those suffering from the disease. To achieve this, it is essential, first and foremost, to remove allergens from the environment. Avoiding smoking and proximity to smokers is an absolute must. In addition, it is essential to minimize exposure to polluted air and try to stay in areas where common allergens are less prevalent. For example, during seasons of high pollen concentration in the air (especially in the morning), it is preferable to avoid going out.
To maintain a healthy environment, it is important to ensure proper home ventilation and cleanliness to avoid the presence of dust and dust mites in the house. Allergy sufferers are advised to separate outdoor clothes from indoor clothes to minimize exposure to allergens. Also, it is recommended to regularly clean the air conditioner filter at home.
Antihistamines are commonly used for allergy problems. They suppress the body's response to histamine, thus reducing allergy symptoms. Antihistamines reduce nasal discharge, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and improve the skin condition of allergy sufferers.
Antihistamines affect allergy symptoms but also directly affect sleep. In the past, potent antihistamines were given, which caused drowsiness, so it was recommended not to drive or consume alcohol after taking them. It is important to understand that the drowsiness caused by antihistamines is not necessarily beneficial to the sleep quality of patients and sometimes even exacerbates their sleep disturbances. Nowadays, there are antihistamines available on the market for allergies that have a reduced impact on sleep. Using them allows controlling the severity of the disease, indirectly leading to improved sleep quality. However, there are situations where it is preferable to treat with medications that aid sleep, according to the physician's guidance. Another type of medication used by allergy sufferers is steroid-based medications (which can be taken orally, inhaled, or applied as a cream). There is ample evidence that steroids act as stimulants and may exacerbate sleep problems for users. Therefore, the use of steroid medications in allergic patients suffering from sleep problems should be carefully considered, and in any case, these medications should not be taken close to bedtime.
In conclusion, the relationship between allergy and sleep has been researched extensively, but much remains unknown in this field. Understanding the impact of allergies on the sleep quality of sufferers is critical to improving their lives, and science is still advancing in this area. Preserving the sleep quality of allergy sufferers focuses on two main areas - removing allergens and maintaining disease balance through various medications. If you suffer from allergies and feel that your sleep is not optimal, it is recommended to consult with your treating physician about specific strategies that will help improve it.
