Everything You Need to Know About Hayfever Fatigue

Q: Can antihistamines cause tiredness or make it worse?

Yes. First-generation antihistamines like chlorphenamine ( Piriton ) can cause drowsiness. Non-drowsy options like loratadine and fexofenadine are less likely to cause fatigue and can help reduce tiredness by easing symptoms.

Everything You Need to Know About Hayfever Fatigue

Hayfever is known for causing sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose – but for many people, it also leads to something less talked about: tiredness. If you’ve been feeling unusually fatigued during allergy season, you might be experiencing what’s known as hayfever fatigue.

Does Hayfever Make You Tired?

Yes, hayfever can make you tired. Hayfever fatigue refers to the persistent tiredness and low energy levels some people feel alongside classic allergy symptoms. This isn’t just everyday tiredness – it’s a hazy, heavy feeling that makes it hard to concentrate and stay alert.

There are a couple of key reasons behind hayfever fatigue: firstly, your immune system is working overtime to fight off allergens, releasing inflammatory chemicals like histamine that can make you feel drained. Secondly, hayfever symptoms – like congestion and nighttime sneezing – can disturb your sleep.

While we often associate hayfever with spring and summer, hayfever in autumn and winter is also common due to mould spores and dust mites. This can overlap with seasonal fatigue due to reduced daylight, making it harder to pinpoint the cause.

Best Treatments for Tiredness in Hayfever

To manage hayfever fatigue, the best approach is to tackle the allergy symptoms causing it. Here are some treatments that can help reduce fatigue by managing underlying hayfever symptoms:

Treatment	Product	How It Helps	Onset Time	Notes/Warnings
Non-drowsy antihistamine	Loratadine Tablets	Relieves sneezing, itching, and watery eyes without causing drowsiness	1–2 hours	Suitable for daytime use
Non-drowsy antihistamine	Fexofenadine Tablets	Helps control more persistent or severe hayfever symptoms	1 hour	Check suitability if pregnant or breastfeeding
Nasal spray	Beconase Nasal Spray	Reduces nasal inflammation and congestion	3–12 hours	Use regularly for best results

If you're pregnant or caring for a child, you may need to avoid certain hayfever medicines. Check our guides on hayfever in pregnancy and hayfever in children and babies for more advice.

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How to Naturally Combat Hayfever Fatigue

Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to reduce pollen exposure
Keep windows closed during high pollen count periods
Use a HEPA air purifier indoors
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support energy levels
Try saline nasal sprays to relieve congestion naturally
Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can disrupt sleep
Prioritise quality sleep with good bedtime routines

FAQs

How do you overcome fatigue from allergies?
What does hayfever fatigue feel like?
Why does hayfever make you tired?
Can you suffer from hayfever fatigue, with no other symptoms?
Can antihistamines cause tiredness or make it worse?
Is there a best time to take antihistamines for fatigue?
How long does hayfever fatigue last?

How do you overcome fatigue from allergies?

Managing your hayfever symptoms with effective antihistamines, nasal sprays, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce allergy-related fatigue.

What does hayfever fatigue feel like?

It often feels like brain fog, low energy, and difficulty focusing – different to everyday tiredness. It’s a heavy, persistent fatigue that doesn’t always improve with rest.

Why does hayfever make you tired?

There are two main causes: disrupted sleep from nighttime symptoms, and your immune system's inflammatory response to allergens, which releases chemicals that trigger tiredness.

Can you suffer from hayfever fatigue, with no other symptoms?

Yes, although it's less common. Some people may experience fatigue as a primary symptom, especially if other symptoms are mild or overlooked.

Can antihistamines cause tiredness or make it worse?

Yes. First-generation antihistamines like chlorphenamine (Piriton) can cause drowsiness. Non-drowsy options like loratadine and fexofenadine are less likely to cause fatigue and can help reduce tiredness by easing symptoms.

Is there a best time to take antihistamines for fatigue?

Morning is generally best for non-drowsy antihistamines, helping you stay alert throughout the day. Drowsy antihistamines should be taken at night if needed.

How long does hayfever fatigue last?

It usually lasts as long as you're exposed to allergens. Once symptoms are managed with effective treatment and allergen exposure is reduced, fatigue should ease within a few days.