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Sleep Disorders in the Allergy-Immunology Clinic
Alexandra E Conway1, Marylee Verdi2, Aikaterini Anagnostou3
1Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. in Practice
|August 8, 2025
Summary
Disordered sleep significantly impacts allergic diseases like rhinitis and asthma, often linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Treating both sleep and allergy issues can improve physical and mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Sleep Medicine
- Allergy
Background:
- Disordered sleep is linked to various allergic diseases managed in allergy immunology clinics.
- Allergic rhinitis and asthma frequently coexist with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), exacerbating allergic inflammation and airway resistance.
- Disrupted sleep can lower the threshold for anaphylaxis reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the immunologic consequences of disordered sleep in allergic diseases.
- To highlight the bidirectional relationship between allergic conditions and sleep disorders like OSA.
- To emphasize the potential benefits of integrated treatment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sleep disorders and allergic-immunologic diseases.
- Analysis of the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia and inflammatory activation in OSA on allergic rhinitis.
- Examination of shared treatment modalities for allergic diseases and sleep disorders.
Main Results:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worsens allergic rhinitis through hypoxia and inflammation.
- Asthma patients commonly have OSA, increasing nighttime airway resistance.
- Treatments like topical glucocorticosteroids, surgery, and CPAP may benefit both conditions.
Conclusions:
- Addressing both allergic-immunologic diseases and sleep disorders is crucial for patient wellbeing.
- Integrated management can improve allergy symptoms, mental health (anxiety, depression), and overall quality of life.
- Recognizing disordered sleep as part of allergy management enhances treatment outcomes.
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