KEY INSIGHTS
- Hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis) is triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. It’s most prevalent during spring and summer.
- Hay fever is often confused with the common cold, having similar symptoms, but unlike a cold, hay fever doesn’t cause a fever.
- Hay fever can seriously disrupt your sleep, worsen snoring, and leave you feeling fatigued and unwell.
- Solutions include antihistamines, nasal sprays or rinses, and using a sleep apnea mouthguard to support better breathing while you sleep.
As the southern hemisphere transitions into spring, many of us welcome the sunshine, blooming gardens, and longer, warmer days. But for almost 20% of New Zealanders, this change in season also brings the unwelcome return of hay fever – and with it, restless nights with louder snoring.
Let’s explore the connection between hay fever and sleep, why you might snore more during this allergy season, and how simple snoring solutions like ApneaRx can make a big difference.
What is Allergic Rhinitis/Hay Fever?
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever occurs when your immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Common triggers for this include:
- Grass and flower pollen
- Dust mites
- Mould spores
- Pet hair and dander (dead skin flakes)
- Smoke or other airborne particles
When exposed to an airborne molecule to which you are sensitive or allergic, your body mounts a defensive immune response. This is similar to fighting off a cold, except that in this case, there’s no infection involved. While your nose might run, your eyes may itch and water, and sneezing fits are far too common, unlike the flu or a cold, you are not “sick”, and hay fever doesn’t usually cause an actual fever.
Seasonal hay fever is typically triggered by pollens and plant-related allergens during spring and summer. Shedding pets at this time of year may also be a factor.
Perennial hay fever is caused by allergens that are present year-round, such as dust and mould. Some people will experience pet allergies all the time.
Common Symptoms of Hay Fever
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery, or otherwise irritated eyes
- Blocked, itchy, or runny nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Mild sore or “itchy” throat
- Itchy skin (especially when exercising outdoors)
- Snoring
- Persistent “cold-like” symptoms without a fever
- Worsened asthma symptoms
More severe cases of hay fever can also cause headaches, a lack of focus, and constant daytime fatigue – especially when sleep is disturbed.
What’s the Connection Between Hay Fever and Snoring?
When hay fever inflames or blocks your nasal passages, breathing through your nose becomes difficult. As a result, many people will begin breathing through the mouth while sleeping. This contributes to snoring in several ways:
- The tongue slides backward during sleep
- The jaw drops, narrowing the throat
- Dry air flows into the airways via the mouth, irritating the tissues
- Soft tissues in the throat vibrate – leading to snoring
If your airways are already inflamed from hay fever, snoring can become even more intense. This is further exacerbated if you have obstructive sleep apnea.
Tips for Surviving Hay Fever Season
If hay fever and snoring are making you uncomfortable, especially if they’re keeping you awake, here are some effective strategies:
1. Everyday Tips
- Keep tissues handy and wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors.
- Check daily pollen counts and stay indoors if possible when they’re high. See more information about pollen in NZ here.
- Keep windows shut on windy days or during thunderstorms.
- Shower and wash your hair after spending time outside, and always shower or take a bath before bedtime.
- Wash bed linens weekly in hot water and use protective covers on the mattress and pillows.
- Dry your clothes indoors to avoid pollen settling on fabrics.
- Vacuum regularly and dust surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom (or outside altogether if allergies are severe).
- Use vinegar or mould-targeted cleaners—avoid bleach as it doesn’t kill mould spores and it can irritate your airways.
2. Medication & Devices
- Use a saline spray rinse or neti pot to flush allergens from your nose.
- Ask a pharmacist to recommend a suitable antihistamine (you must make sure you choose one that is compatible with other medicines you take and/or health conditions).
- Consider a corticosteroid nasal spray for longer-term relief – see your doctor for a prescription.
- Use a snoring mouthpiece like ApneaRX: an effective sleep apnea mouthguard that’s designed to keep your airways open during sleep.
If your symptoms are persistent or affect your daily life, see your GP. You may need prescription treatments tailored to your needs, especially if you have asthma or sleep apnea.
Try a Smarter Solution for Snoring: ApneaRx
Whether you’re a regular snorer, have sleep apnoea or asthma, or snore only during allergy flare-ups, managing your snoring is very important. It can significantly boost your sleep quality and overall health.
ApneaRx is a medical-grade snoring solution that is made in Australia and recommended by sleep specialists, doctors, and pharmacists. Worn at night, it gently shifts your lower jaw forward, thereby opening your airway and reducing the soft tissue vibrations that cause snoring.
Ready to Sleep Better? Snore less, breathe easier, and take back your nights from allergy-induced snoring. ApneaRx is also approved in New Zealand for use as a sleep apnea treatment for symptoms associated with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
