Quality sleep is vital for our general health and our cognitive health. This is true regardless of your age from baby to senior. Anything that interferes with your sleep, especially if it is consistent, is detrimental to your quality of life. You may not know about the connection between sinus health and sleep quality, but keep reading to find out.
How Sinus Health Affects Our Sleep Quality
When you have sinus issues, it can bother you all day. Night time is also affected as these sinus problems don’t miraculously go away
when you sleep. We’re talking about any kind of obstruction in your nasal cavity like nasal polyps, inflammations, or sinusitis which all cause breathing problems. This also includes snoring and sleep apnea as well.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis can last for about 12 weeks. It is characterized by post nasal drip, inflammation of the sinus cavity and facial pain.
Allergic Rhinitis
This is an allergic reaction due to pollen, dust mites, and pet dander leading to swelling of the nasal passages, congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing. Doesn’t sound like you will have much luck falling asleep or staying asleep.
Nasal Polyps
These are benign polyps in the lining of your nasal passages due to chronic inflammation. They may obstruct your airflow, cause mouth breathing, snoring, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Deviated Septum
The tissue inside your nose known as your septum is misaligned instead of in the middle of your nose. It makes breathing harder, especially when you are lying down. Although not strictly a sinus inflammation, it does interfere with quality sleep.
Postnasal Drip
When you have too much mucus, it will flow down the back of your throat causing coughing and throat irritation.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes repetitive pauses in breathing while you sleep. This can occur hundreds of times during the night disrupting your sleep and leading to daytime fatigue which can be dangerous.
Double Whammy: How Sleep Can Impact Your Sinus Health
The “double whammy” of sleep health is that sinus problems deprive us of quality sleep which then in turn can make our sinus problems become worse or even create new ones.
When you don’t get quality sleep, the following issues arise:
- Your immune system becomes weakened leading to more inflammation.
- Long-term sleep issues contribute to worsening sinusitis symptoms.
- It negatively impacts recovery.
- It becomes more difficult to resolve mucus causing congestion.
- OSA can trigger worsening sinus infections.
At-Home Remedies for Sinus and Sleep Health
Tips to help you sleep better include:
- Invest in a humidifier.
- Elevate your head.
- Use nasal saline sprays.
- Stay hydrated.
- Practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding coffee before bed and keeping the room dark and cool.
Treatments to Relieve Both Sinus and Sleep Issues
If you are ready to improve both the quality and duration of your sleep, it’s time to speak with an experienced ENT physician like Coastal Ear, Nose and Throat for treatment options.
You may begin with over-the-counter medications, antihistamines, decongestants, and even natural remedies.
OTC medications may only provide temporary relief, whereas Ear, Nose and Throat will recommend other options like topical steroids, antibiotics, allergy testing, or minimally invasive endoscopy procedures. Serious sinus issues may need a balloon sinuplasty to widen the sinus airways. A CPAP mask can help with OSA.
ENT Specialist in Savannah and Pooler, GA
Don’t suffer with sinus issues and poor sleep quality any longer. Contact Ear, Nose and Throat at (912) 355-2335 for a personalized treatment plan.