As spring turns to summer and pollen fills the air, many of us welcome warmer days and colourful blooms. For people with hayfever however, this season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes and blocked sinuses. If you also live with sleep apnoea, you may find your night-time breathing challenges growing worse during peak pollen months. In this blog we explore why hayfever can impact sleep apnoea, share practical tips to ease symptoms at night and explain when to seek extra support.
Why Hayfever Season Can Impact Sleep Apnoea
Hayfever causes inflammation of the nasal passages which leads to congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. For someone using a continuous positive airway pressure mask nasal blockage can prevent a good seal and trigger mask leaks. Even without CPAP therapy increased mouth breathing can worsen sleep apnoea by allowing your tongue and soft tissues to collapse more easily against the airway. Poor sleep quality may follow with more awakenings, headaches and daytime fatigue. Recognising the link between hayfever and sleep-related breathing issues helps you take targeted action.
Practical Tips to Minimise Night-Time Symptoms
Start your hayfever defence early by checking daily pollen forecasts and keeping windows closed overnight. Installing a HEPA filter in your bedroom can reduce airborne allergens while you sleep. Regularly washing bed linens at high temperature removes pollen that settles on sheets and pillowcases. If you use a CPAP machine ensure your mask is well-fitted and consider switching to a full-face mask if nasal blockages persist. A heated humidifier attachment can help soothe dry irritated airways but be sure to clean it frequently to prevent mould. Saline nasal sprays used before bedtime gently wash out pollen and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter antihistamines taken in the evening may also help, but check with your healthcare professional to find the right option for you.
Lifestyle Strategies for All-Round Relief
Outside of bedtime you can support clearer breathing by showering before bed to rinse pollen from hair and skin. Wearing wraparound sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat while outdoors cuts down the pollen that reaches your eyes and nose. Staying hydrated and practising a gentle nasal irrigation routine each morning keeps mucus thin and more easily cleared. Remember that stress and alcohol can worsen both hayfever and sleep apnoea, so aim for relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing exercises or a short evening yoga routine.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If your sleep quality continues to suffer despite these measures, it may be time to consult an allergy specialist or your sleep clinician. Adjusting your CPAP pressure settings or exploring prescription nasal sprays could make a significant difference. In some cases, allergy testing and immunotherapy can reduce your sensitivity to pollen over the long term. Addressing both hayfever and sleep apnoea together gives you the best chance of restful nights and more energy during the day.
Breathe Easier This Pollen Season
Hayfever and sleep apnoea can form a tricky combination, but with the right strategies you can minimise symptoms and protect your sleep. For expert advice on sleep diagnostic equipment and support, visit Stowood to explore our range of solutions designed to help clinicians and patients achieve better sleep.