Allergies, Sleep, and the Search for a Non-Drowsy Allergy Medication

Allergies and sleep often clash. Either you end up tossing and turning all night from allergy symptoms, or you take your allergy medication and end up drowsy all day. Or, during allergy season, you might end up suffering from both.

Why Sleep Is a Struggle With Allergies

It can be hard to fall asleep when you’re uncomfortable. Allergic reactions to pollen, pet dander, or dust can affect your breathing and make it harder for you to relax. And sleeping with congestion is never an easy feat.

What’s more, other common allergy symptoms can worsen when you lie down. Post-nasal drip irritates the back of your throat. And even a slightly dusty pillowcase (a notorious shelter for pollen and other allergens your hair and skin might collect throughout the day) can worsen a case of itchy eyes. All of these discomforts add up, and for those with allergies, it can sometimes make falling and staying asleep feel impossible, resulting in poor sleep quality.

Allergy Fatigue – When Your Allergies Have You Sick, Tired, and Drowsy

To complicate matters more, allergy symptoms themselves can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and brain fog. Constantly having your immune system on high alert can wipe your body out.

Feeling tired all the time negatively impacts your quality of life. It can make work, relationships, and even your hobbies feel like a drag. Plus, brain fog and drowsiness negatively impact people’s reaction time, motor skills, and decision-making, making it dangerous, especially if you nod off while driving.

Antihistamines – Do They All Make You Sleepy?

The first generation of allergy medicines are known to cause drowsiness as a side effect. The active ingredient in Benadryl is actually found in a lot of sleeping pills. And if your allergies are already increasing your tiredness, medications like Benadryl may make you extremely sleepy.

The good news is there are second-generation allergy medications that won’t put you to bed. Second- and third-generation antihistamines are designed to reduce drowsiness while still addressing your allergy symptoms. Claritin and Allegra are examples of non-drowsy antihistamines.

Other Factors Affecting Antihistamine-Induced Drowsiness

Apart from the type of antihistamine used, dosage also plays a role. Higher doses can increase the likelihood of feeling drowsy. Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking an antihistamine can amplify its sedative effects. Certain medical conditions, such as digestive and kidney diseases, can also affect how your body metabolizes antihistamines, increasing the risk of drowsiness.

A Side-by-side Drowsiness Comparison

Choosing the right allergy treatment can depend partly on when your symptoms are at their worst. A first-generation antihistamine could be great at night when your allergy symptoms won’t allow you to rest. But a second-generation non-drowsy treatment should be your go-to for short-term daytime relief.

To find the best option for you, consider each medication’s side effects.

Non-Drowsy Antihistamines

• Allegra (Fexofenadine) – second-generation antihistamine
• Claritin (Loratadine) – second-generation antihistamine

Non-Drowsy Nasal Sprays

• Flonase (Fluticasone) – nasal steroid spray
• Nasacort (Triamcinolone) – nasal steroid spray

May Cause Drowsiness

• Xyzal (Levocetirizine) – third-generation antihistamine; to avoid daytime drowsiness it is recommended to take it at night
• Zyrtec (Cetirizine) – second-generation antihistamine

Expect Drowsiness

• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) – first-generation antihistamine

Whichever treatment you decide on, carefully read the label and any warnings. Some antihistamines can interact with other drugs or medications, so take precautions to avoid any negative interactions. You can talk to your doctor to see if there will be any drug interactions between your current medications and the antihistamines you are considering taking.

Sleep Aid Strategies for Allergy Sufferers

If allergies are keeping you up at night, there are several sleep aid strategies you can try. Opt for non-drowsy antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra) or desloratadine (Clarinex) to manage your symptoms without the added drowsiness. Nasal sprays and eye drops can also provide localized relief, reducing the need for oral antihistamines that might make you feel drowsy. Good sleep hygiene is crucial—maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoid caffeine and electronics before bed. Using a humidifier or saline nasal spray can help alleviate congestion, making it easier to breathe and sleep. If your symptoms persist and continue to disrupt your sleep, consult a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for you.

Are You Looking for Long-Lasting Allergy Relief?

If you have tried out antihistamines and you’re still struggling to find allergy relief, reach out to Wyndly today. Our allergy doctors can lend support and expertise during your search. You may even be a candidate for sublingual immunotherapy, an easy, at-home allergy treatment that leads to long-term allergy relief. Start today by taking our quick, two-minute assessment and be one step closer to long-lasting allergy relief!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does allergy medicine make you tired?

Allergy medicines can make you tired because they block histamines, which are chemicals that help keep you awake. Some allergy medications, especially older ones, also affect the brain and make you feel drowsy.

Does allergy relief make you sleepy?

Yes, some allergy relief medicines, especially antihistamines, can make you sleepy because they affect your brain's alertness by blocking histamines.

Why does Zyrtec make me so tired?

Zyrtec can make you tired because it blocks histamines in your body, which help with alertness. While it's less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, it can still affect some people this way.

Why do non-drowsy antihistamines make me tired?

Non-drowsy antihistamines can still make some people tired because everyone reacts differently to medications. Even though they're designed to avoid drowsiness, they can still affect the brain slightly in certain individuals, leading to tiredness.