Sinus issues are a huge nuisance that stops people from freely enjoying their lives. Common sinus issues symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, difficulty breathing through the nose, and headache can quickly put a damper on one’s quality of life.
While these symptoms are difficult to deal with during the day, they can be much more troubling to manage at night while you sleep. People dealing with sinus issues often have trouble sleeping, finding themself tossing and turning, trying to get in the right state of mind to drift off to dreamland.
This restlessness at night due to sinus discomfort leads to fragmented sleep and exhaustion during the day.
The Link Between Sinus Health and Sleep
Everyone needs good quality sleep to get their minds and bodies to take on another day. But what if your sinuses are preventing you from getting much-needed rest and sleep at night?
Those who have long suffered from sinus issues will know that sinus health has a direct impact on sleep. Poor sinus health can result in poor-quality sleep: having to deal with sinus symptoms can cause sleep disturbances and short sleep durations. As a result, patients wake up tired and restless the next day.
Sinusitis is a common condition that involves inflammation of the sinuses, leading to symptoms like persistent nasal congestion, facial pain, and difficulty breathing through the nose.
Throughout the day, gravity helps mucus drain from the sinuses when we’re upright. However, when we lie down to sleep, mucus can build up in the sinuses due to the change in position.
In addition, the blood flow to the head increases when we’re lying flat, causing the already-swollen nasal passages to swell further. This inflammation disrupts proper mucus drainage and intensifies nasal congestion.
Sleeping flat can also lead to postnasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of the throat. This can irritate the throat and cause coughing, making it harder to sleep through the night.
Sinus Issues, Sleeping, Snoring, and Sleep Apnea
Blocked sinuses make it very difficult to breathe through the nose. This forces patients to breathe through the mouth instead. Sleeping with an open mouth to aid in breathing often contributes to snoring. While usually harmless, chronic snoring can be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder called sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition where the sleeper momentarily stops breathing while sleeping. Sleeping with the mouth open to breathe properly because the sinuses are blocked increases the risk of blocked airways. This results in frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. When there is a lack of oxygen, the brain sends a signal to wake up the body so it can regulate breathing again.
This is a vicious cycle that can continue all night. Sleep apnea patients can experience anywhere from 30 to 300 events per evening with each event lasting up to about 10 seconds each. This disrupts sleep, making the sufferer restless throughout the night. As a result, they often wake up feeling tired and suffer from daytime sleepiness.
How to Get a Better Night’s Rest: Tips on Improving Sinus Health for Better Sleep Quality
Sleep is a crucial factor in leading a healthier and happier life. If you’re not getting enough quality sleep at night due to sinus health issues, this can quickly impact your physical and mental well-being. Here are some simple ways to help you get a better night’s rest by improving your sinus health:
1.  Practice nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation with saline solution is an effective way to break down mucus buildup and clear your nasal passages. It can also reduce nasal inflammation. Practicing nasal irrigation can alleviate nasal congestion, improve mucus drainage, and facilitate better airflow so you can sleep better at night.
2.  Do steam inhalation at home
At-home steam inhalation is great for congestion relief. The way it works is by moistening the nasal passages, thinning the mucus, and helping it drain better. It’s easy to do an at-home steam inhalation. All you need to do is fill a bowl with hot water. Lean over the bowl and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe in the steam for about 10 minutes, until your nasal passages feel better. For added benefits, add peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the bowl of water.
3.  Consider sinus medication
Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can provide effective sinus relief. They can help manage inflammation, swelling, and congestion. Allergy medication can also help if you’ve been suffering from allergic reactions and they have been affecting your sleep lately.
4.  Keep nasal passages moist and hydrated
One of the simplest and most effective ways to promote good sinus health is proper hydration. Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water. This way, the mucus thins, making it easier for your body to break down the buildup and clear it out. Herbal teas may also help, plus they can help your body and mind relax right before bed.
5.  Change your sleeping position
Lastly, changing your sleeping position can provide immediate sinus relief.
It’s best to elevate your head and keep it above your heart when you sleep. This decreases blood flow to your head, decreasing nasal inflammation. It promotes proper mucus drainage and reduces congestion so you can breathe better through the night.
Improve Sinus Health and Get Better Sleep With Del Rey MD
Sinus issues can directly impact one’s quality and duration of sleep. When people don’t get enough quality sleep, their bodies and minds suffer.
When all else fails, consulting with an expert might be in your best interest. At Del Rey MD, we are committed to providing our patients with solutions to their sinus health concerns. Schedule an appointment with our team today and let’s start your journey towards better sinus health and an even better sleep quality!