Yes, allergies can worsen at night for several reasons.
Why Allergies Might Be Worse at Night
Several factors contribute to the worsening of allergies at night:
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Circadian Rhythms: Our bodies' natural internal clocks (circadian rhythms) influence our immune responses. These rhythms may cause increased inflammation and allergy symptoms at night. This is supported by the reference stating that allergies may worsen at night due to natural circadian rhythms.
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Indoor Allergens: We spend more time indoors at night, increasing exposure to common indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold. These allergens can trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions.
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Nighttime Pollen: While pollen levels might be lower at night, some pollen types remain airborne, and individuals sensitive to these pollens can still experience symptoms. Furthermore, wind patterns can sometimes shift pollen concentration at night.
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Nasal Congestion: Existing nasal congestion, which may be present even before bedtime, can worsen during the night. This leads to increased difficulty breathing and sleep disturbances.
Common Nighttime Allergy Symptoms
Individuals may experience a range of allergy symptoms at night, including:
- Increased nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sleep disturbances
The provided reference explicitly states that allergies may worsen at night due to circadian rhythms, indoor allergens, and nighttime pollen. This means it's a common occurrence, but not necessarily universal. The severity of nighttime allergy symptoms can vary greatly from person to person.
