Study shows that allergic rhinitis is linked to insomnia

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Allergic rhinitis is associated with insomnia and impaired sleep quality, say researchers.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when pollen or other allergens irritate and inflame the nasal passages. Research has suggested allergic rhinitis may contribute to snoring and other sleep-related problems. This was further investigated by researchers in Paris, who looked at nearly 600 individuals with allergic rhinitis. They were compared with a similar group of people who did not have allergic rhinitis.

All sleep disorders and complaints, such as insomnia, waking up in the night, snoring and tiredness on waking, were more common in those with allergic rhinitis. They reported sleeping fewer hours, taking longer to fall asleep and, not surprisingly, daytime sleepiness too. In all, 35.8 per cent of those with allergic rhinitis reported insomnia, compared to 16 per cent of controls. The worse the allergic rhinitis was, the more severe the insomnia. The researchers suggest that doctors should ask their patients with allergic rhinitis about their sleep. Treatment of the rhinitis may improve quality of life by treating associated insomnia as well.

Source
Archives of Internal Medicine 18th September 2006 Volume 166 pages 1744-1748

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