Feeling Tired? Why Allergies Could be The Culprit
If you’ve been feeling drained, allergies could be the culprit. Here’s how you can combat allergy fatigue.
If you suffer from allergies, you have probably dealt with the itchiness, nasal congestion and watery eyes that often go along with them. Symptoms like these can be hard to avoid since allergens are seemingly everywhere. To make matters worse, you might have found that you’re less productive and more tired than usual when your allergies are triggered.
If you’ve pinned the blame on your allergies, you were probably right. Allergies are linked to low-energy levels and “brain fog” that can make it hard to function like you normally would. Keep reading for steps you can take to manage allergy fatigue.
There are actually a few different reasons allergies can leave you feeling drained. Exposure to allergens causes your immune system to produce histamine, a chemical that causes itchiness, swelling, trouble breathing and – you guessed it – tiredness. If you’re regularly exposed to your allergens, this immune response might be the culprit behind your fatigue.
Your other allergy symptoms could also be the cause of your tiredness. Coughing, congestion, sneezing and itchiness can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Getting a good night’s rest is essential for feeling energized and productive throughout the day. If your allergy symptoms keep you up at night, it could be the reason you feel so tired during the day.
Finally, certain allergy medications can cause drowsiness. If you’re taking antihistamines to reduce your allergy symptoms, you might have chosen one that has this unfortunate side effect.
So what can you do to fight allergy fatigue?
1. Find the Source of Your Symptoms
The first step to addressing your allergy symptoms is finding their source. Visiting an allergist who is trained to diagnose the cause of your symptoms is usually your best bet.
But if you’d rather get to the bottom of your symptoms yourself, it can be helpful to start an allergy log and record your symptoms. Try jotting down everything you’ve been exposed to and record your symptoms when they occur throughout the day. Over time, you might start to notice links between a specific allergen and the times you feel tired.
2. Limit Exposure
The best way to avoid triggering your allergies is to limit your exposure to them. If your symptoms are triggered by indoor allergens like pet dander or dust mites, you’ll likely have to take steps to allergy-proof your home. That could mean limiting your pet’s access to your bedroom, dusting and vacuuming regularly and washing bedding frequently. It is also important to replace your furnace and air conditioning filters with HEPA filters every 90 days.
For outdoor allergens like pollen, limit your time outdoors during allergy season or when the allergen-count is high. Staying indoors can help avoid triggering symptoms that contribute to your drowsiness.
3. Switch Your Allergy Medication
If your allergy medication makes you tired, have your doctor help you find a non-drowsy version that will work best for your symptoms. There are plenty of over-the-counter options to choose from. If your symptoms are chronic, your doctor might even recommend prescribed allergy shots to help alleviate your symptoms. They might not be for everyone, but they are proven to reduce symptoms in about 85% of people with allergies.
4. Reduce Allergens in Your Bedroom
It sucks when allergy symptoms won’t let you sleep. Luckily, there are multiple steps you can take to keep allergens out of your bedroom. Before bed, make sure that your sheets and pillowcases are clean. Dust mites, pet dander and other allergens can get trapped in your bedding, and allowing them to build up can trigger your allergies while you sleep. Taking a shower before bed can also prevent allergens in your hair or on your skin from coming to bed with you.
5. Buy an Air Purifier
Putting an air purifier in your bedroom or living space can significantly reduce the number of allergens floating around in your home. It purifies the air by trapping airborne allergens, and it can save you from coughing or sneezing fits while you sleep. It can also be beneficial to put one next to your desk if you have an office job.
About the Creator
Michaela Wong
Michaela Wong is a content creator who focuses on career development and small businesses. She is a graduate of San Diego State University with a background in digital marketing.
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