Why Does Nasal Congestion Get Worse at Night?

Why Does Nasal Congestion Get Worse at Night?

A good night’s sleep is critical if you want to wakeup refreshed and in good health. Getting enough quality sleep will protect your mental health, your physical health, and your quality of life. If your nasal congestion gets worse during this important rest period, it can make getting that good overnight rest near to impossible. Constantly waking up because you can’t breathe isn’t necessarily an indication of an illness coming on. Let’s take a look at why you may suffer from nasal congestion at night and what can be done to relieve this condition.

What Causes Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion is the result of swelling in the tissues of your nasal cavity. These tissues usually swell due to inflamed blood vessels and fluid buildup. As these tissues swell, they block nasal passages and stimulate the mucus glands in your nose. The symptoms from this are the same symptoms of a blocked or runny nose. Some of the main causes include:

• infection
• environmental triggers like hay fever or allergies
• medicines
• overuse of decongestants
• hormone imbalance (especially during pregnancy)
• nasal tissue damage
• nasal polyps

Children and infants have narrower air passages than adults. This fact makes them more susceptible to nighttime congestion issues. When younger children and infants don’t get the rest they need, they have a greater potential to develop ear and sinus infections and even speech problems.

What Does Breathing Problems Lying Down Mean?

Difficulty breathing while lying flat is a common complaint. That is why some people resort to one or more pillows under their heads or sleeping in a propped-up position. Many times this difficulty may be an indication of a medical issue, some type of heart or lung problem. If you are affected by difficulty breathing while lying flat, you should seek advice from a medical professional. Some of the causes may include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart failure
• Obesity (not a direct cause but it can lead to the worsening of conditions)
• Panic disorder
• Sleep Apnea
• Snoring

Actions to Reduce Congestion at Night

No matter what the reason for nasal congestion at night, there are steps you can take to relieve this condition.

For Adults:

1. Sleep with your head slightly elevated

2. Use a humidifier to keep the air that you breath from becoming too dry

3. Drink water at bedtime and keep a glass of water within easy reach

4. Use a saline nasal spray to keep nasal linings moist

For Children:

1. Place a pillow under the head of your child’s mattress to raise their head slightly

2. Use a cool-mist vaporizer in their room at night

3. Encourage drinking clear liquids throughout the day

4. For infants, use a nasal suctioning device to clear nasal passages

Nasal congestion can have many causes: colds, the flu, various allergies, sinus problems, or serious health conditions. If none of the suggested actions above seems to help, it would be a good idea to consult with your medical provider, especially if the breathing difficulty continues for 7 or more days. Getting a good night’s sleep will lead to a longer and healthier life.