Can hay fever make you sleepy?

Yes, hay fever can make you feel sleepy.

Here are some reasons why:

- Histamine release: When you inhale pollen, your body releases histamine to fight off the allergen. Histamine causes a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It can also cause drowsiness.

- Antihistamines: Many hay fever medications contain antihistamines, which can also cause drowsiness as a side effect.

- Allergies and sleep: Allergies can disrupt sleep in several ways. For example, nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe at night, and itching and sneezing can wake you up. Lack of sleep can also worsen allergy symptoms, creating a vicious cycle.

Tips for managing hay fever and sleepiness:

- Take your hay fever medication as directed: This will help to control your allergy symptoms and reduce the risk of drowsiness.

- Avoid taking antihistamines that cause drowsiness: If you are experiencing drowsiness from your antihistamine medication, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication.

- Get regular exercise: Exercise can help to improve your overall health and make you less susceptible to allergies. It can also help you to sleep better at night.

- Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. And establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible, even on weekends.