Sleep Disorders in the Allergy-Immunology Clinic

Abstract

The immunologic consequences of disordered sleep are evident in many disease states, including multiple allergic diseases and disorders cared for in the allergy-immunology clinic. Allergic rhinitis is significantly associated with disordered sleep, most commonly obstructive sleep apnea, which worsens the allergic process itself through chronic intermittent hypoxia and increased inflammatory activation. Patients with asthma also commonly suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, with both conditions worsening nighttime airway resistance. Disrupted sleep decreases the reaction threshold for patients with anaphylaxis. In considering allergic-immunologic diseases and disorders of sleep, it is important to recognize that treatments for one condition may benefit the other and these may include topical glucocorticosteroid use, surgery, and continuous positive airway pressure. Addressing both issues-the allergic-immunologic disease and the sleep disorder-may be critical not only to the patient's physical health but to their mental health as well, particularly anxiety and depression. Recognizing and treating disordered sleep as a component of allergic disease symptom management has the potential to improve allergy outcomes, mental health outcomes, and overall well-being.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Allergy; Anaphylaxis; Asthma; Sleep.