Seasonal allergies – often brushed off as a minor inconvenience – can have a surprising and significant impact on sleep quality. For those already living with sleep apnoea, the combination of the two can be particularly challenging. At Stowood, where we’re committed to advancing technology for the diagnosis and management of sleep and breathing disorders, it’s important to explore the full picture – including the often-overlooked relationship between allergies and apnoea.
A Double Trouble for Breathing
Sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, already places a strain on the respiratory system. When seasonal allergies flare up, the nasal passages become inflamed and congested, making it harder to breathe freely – especially at night. This worsens the effects of sleep apnoea, potentially increasing the number of apnoeic events, leading to poor sleep quality, and compounding the fatigue and cognitive issues people often experience during the day.
The correlation is clear: blocked airways, whether due to swollen tissues from allergic reactions or collapsing muscles during sleep, interfere with the body’s ability to take in enough oxygen. Allergies also increase the likelihood of mouth breathing, which can exacerbate apnoea symptoms. In essence, if your nose is clogged, your sleep is likely to suffer – and if you already have sleep apnoea, that suffering is doubled.
Not Just You – Famous Faces Face It Too
It’s worth remembering that sleep apnoea affects people from all walks of life – including some of the world’s most recognisable names. Despite their demanding schedules and public lives, many notable figures have refused to let sleep apnoea define them.
Take Shaquille O’Neal, for instance. The basketball legend has spoken openly about his diagnosis, even participating in a sleep study to raise awareness. Or Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, who has long championed the importance of sleep and shared her own challenges with sleep-related conditions. Their stories are a reminder that sleep disorders are common – and with the right support and equipment, entirely manageable.
Closer to home, countless people across the UK are managing their sleep apnoea successfully – even during allergy season. Tools like Stowood’s portable diagnostic equipment allow for accurate, convenient monitoring from the comfort of home, making it easier than ever to stay in control of your health.
Managing the Overlap
If you struggle with seasonal allergies and have been diagnosed with sleep apnoea – or suspect you might have it – don’t ignore the signs. Snoring, waking up gasping for air, daytime sleepiness, or even just poor-quality sleep are all worth investigating. Treating allergies with antihistamines or nasal sprays can ease nasal congestion, while proper diagnosis and support for sleep apnoea ensures both conditions are addressed effectively.
Stowood’s advanced diagnostic technology, designed for use in clinical, research, or home environments, helps clinicians get a clear picture of your sleep health. Whether you’re in a state-of-the-art lab or tucked up in bed at home, our equipment is built to give accurate, reliable insights that inform better care.
Sleep is one of the most important pillars of good health. When seasonal allergies and sleep apnoea collide, it can feel like an uphill battle. But with awareness, the right treatment, and support from innovative technologies like those from Stowood, there’s no need to let either condition take the lead.
Even the busiest, most successful people don’t let sleep apnoea hold them back – and neither should you.