What Makes Us Feel Sleepy From Allergies?

Sleepiness related to allergies results from an array of potential causes, such as allergic reactions, medications, sleep patterns and ongoing allergen exposure. Symptoms of allergic fatigue can be remedied by determining the cause and making associated changes.

Allergic Tension-Fatigue Syndrome

• According to the "Western Journal of Medicine," food allergies, particularly to milk, wheat, corn and chocolate, may result in allergic tension-fatigue syndrome. This condition causes irritability, respiratory allergies, muscle aching and drowsiness.

Seasonal Fatigue

• Allergies to seasonal pollens and molds may result in symptomatic daytime sleepiness due to inflammatory responses caused by histamine releases, which result in allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis and allergic asthma symptoms.

Reduced Sleep

• Dust mite and dander allergies cause nighttime inhalant and contact allergies, accumulating in mattresses and bedding. Nighttime breathing difficulty and congestion put stress on the respiratory system, causing decreased sleep and daytime sleepiness.

Medications

• Oral antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays and oral decongestants taken to treat allergies may contain ingredients such as diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan that cause side effects such as drowsiness.

Prevention/Solution

• Sleepiness resulting from allergies can be prevented by limiting exposure to seasonal allergens; by maintaining household dust, mold, dander and chemical irritants; and by treating allergies with anti-drowsy medications.