For many Australians, spring and summer bring more than just warm weather and outdoor activities. Seasonal hayfever, triggered by pollen from grasses, weeds and trees, is extremely common in Australia — in fact, research suggests around 1 in 5 Australians suffer from allergic rhinitis. Cities like Melbourne and Canberra are particularly known for high pollen counts during spring, which can lead to sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses and, most importantly, nasal congestion.

These blocked noses don’t just cause daytime discomfort. They can also lead to disturbed sleep, increased snoring, and in some cases, a higher risk of or worsening of existing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Understanding the connection between hayfever, sinus obstruction, and sleep-disordered breathing is especially important in an Australian context, where pollen exposure is high and sleep apnoea remains an underdiagnosed condition.

How Hayfever and Sinus Blockages Affect Breathing

Hayfever (allergic rhinitis) occurs when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites or pet dander. In Australia, springtime grass pollen is the biggest culprit, especially ryegrass in the southern states. Along with sinus infections and pre-existing structural nasal issues (such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps), hayfever can make nasal passages blocked.

When nasal passages are congested, airflow through the nose is even more restricted. This often forces people to breathe through their mouths at night. Mouth breathing dries the throat, increases oropharyngeal soft tissue vibration, and makes snoring more likely or worse. It also destabilises the upper airway, which may contribute to OSA.

The Link Between Nasal Obstruction and Snoring

Studies have shown that nasal obstruction is strongly linked with snoring. A blocked nose increases the resistance of airflow, making it harder to breathe and creating negative pressure in the airway. This negative pressure draws the soft tissues of the throat inward, leading to vibration — the sound of snoring.

This is why many Australians notice their snoring is worse during “hayfever season” or when they have a head cold. Treating nasal symptoms with antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, or allergen avoidance can often improve airflow and reduce snoring intensity.

For those whose snoring is not usually an issue, due to the compounding effects of the nasal obstruction, snoring may very well become disruptive to family members. This is where good control of snoring in general will become handy and ensure quieter nights for all. Dental snoring mouthguards ( also known as Mandibular Advancement Splints or MAS) can support airways such that it minimises the snoring vibrations, so that what is heard is due to the effects of hayfever itself.

Hayfever, Sinus Issues and Sleep Apnoea

Snoring itself can be disruptive, but when it occurs alongside OSA, the health consequences are much more serious. OSA involves repeated episodes of airway collapse during sleep, causing pauses in breathing and drops in oxygen. In Australia, OSA affects up to 1 in 10 adults, yet many remain undiagnosed.

Research highlights that people with allergic rhinitis or chronic sinus congestion are more likely to experience OSA. Key reasons include:

Increased airway resistance: A blocked nose makes collapse of the throat tissues more likely.
Mouth breathing: This pushes the tongue backward, narrowing the airway.
Sleep fragmentation: Congestion itself can trigger micro-awakenings, worsening tiredness.

Managing Hayfever and Sinus-Related Snoring

If hayfever or sinus obstruction is worsening your snoring or sleep apnoea, addressing the nasal blockage is a helpful key step. Here are some strategies across home, pharmaceutical and lifestyle categories:

Home Remedies

Saline rinses or sprays: Daily use of saline solutions (such as a neti pot or pre-mixed spray) can wash away pollen, dust and mucus.
Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam from a hot shower or bowl of water helps loosen mucus and reduce congestion.
Elevating the head at night: Sleeping with an extra pillow or adjustable bedhead reduces nasal swelling and improves airflow.
Keep windows closed: During high-pollen days, shut windows and use air-conditioning on a recirculate setting.

Pharmaceutical Remedies

Antihistamines: Non-drowsy tablets (such as loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine) reduce sneezing, runny nose and itching.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and are highly effective when used regularly.
Decongestants: Short-term use (e.g., pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline sprays) can clear congestion quickly, though they are not suitable for long-term use.
Allergen immunotherapy: For severe hayfever, an allergist may prescribe desensitisation treatment (allergy “shots” or tablets) over several years.

Lifestyle Remedies

Monitor pollen counts: Use apps or weather updates to plan outdoor activities when pollen levels are lower (often early morning or after rain).
Shower before bed: Washing hair and skin helps remove pollen so it doesn’t spread onto bedding.
Wash bedding frequently: Hot-water washes remove pollen and dust mites.
Avoid outdoor exercise on high pollen days: Swap jogging outside for indoor training during peak season.
Air purifiers: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can reduce allergens indoors.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Mandibular advancement splints (MAS) are highly effective for treating obstructive sleep apnoea and many types of snoring. However, if hayfever-related nasal obstruction is the main driver of the problem, the MAS is likely to help to some degree but may not completely resolve the snoring on its own. The best outcomes usually come from combining allergy management with oral appliance therapy, particularly if OSA is also present. Yet if general snoring is well managed by the MAS in the first place, then the little breakthrough snoring due to seasonal hayfever is expected to be a lot less than if the MAS is not worn. Therefore, if there is some snoring present, it would be recommended to address this before hayfever related nasal obstruction make it worse!

When to Seek Help

Occasional snoring during allergy season is common. But if snoring is loud, persistent, or accompanied by choking, gasping or excessive daytime sleepiness, it may be more than just hayfever — it could be OSA. In Australia, where both hayfever and sleep apnoea are highly prevalent, seeking timely medical advice can prevent bigger health issues down the track.

Hayfever and sinus obstruction don’t just make you miserable during the day — they also disrupt your nights. By increasing snoring and contributing to sleep apnoea, nasal blockages can reduce your health, energy and quality of life. The good news is that with consistent and proper management — from home remedies and lifestyle changes through to medical treatment and oral appliance therapy — Australians can breathe easier and sleep better. SleepWise Clinic’s Dental Sleep Medicine dentists can help you work through your snoring and sleep apnoea concerns and get you hayfever season ready! Book a call with one of our SleepWise Treatment Coordinators and let us help you address your snoring and sleep apnoea concerns today.

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Sleep problems as a risk factor for chronic conditions. Canberra: AIHW; 2021.
Abramson MJ, et al. Allergic rhinitis and the burden of asthma in Australia. Med J Aust. 2011;195(10):564–568.
Young T, Finn L, Kim H. Nasal obstruction as a risk factor for sleep-disordered breathing. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1997;99(2):S757–S762.
Passali D, Tatti P, Toraldo M, et al. Allergic rhinitis and sleep disorders: a systematic review. Sleep Med Rev. 2019;45:66–75.
Craig TJ, McCann JL, Gurevich F, Davies MJ. The correlation between allergic rhinitis and sleep disturbance. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2004;114(5 Suppl):S139–S145.

Hayfever and the Effects on Snoring and Sleep Apnoea