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FULL OF KNOWLEDGE BLOG ONSEN® / About health

Stuffy nose after lying down – causes and solutions

5 października 2024

stuffy nose after night, runny nose before sleep, sinus pain

Contents

Allergens in the bedroom

Upper respiratory infections

Sinus problems

Humidity in the bedroom

Gastroesophageal reflux

Pillows for a stuffy nose

Especially in autumn and winter, nasal congestion when lying down can be a significant issue. It reduces the quality of rest and often accompanies infections, such as the flu or coronaviruses. However, many people experience nasal congestion without a clear cause, and especially in the absence of illness. These individuals find their nose becomes congested when lying down, although the reasons remain unknown.

One underlying cause of nasal congestion when going to bed is, of course, the change in body position. When in a lying position, blood flow in the body changes, including in the nose and sinuses. This can lead to the dilation of the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, resulting in swelling and difficulty breathing. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of mucosal congestion, which can result from various factors.

Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate nasal congestion after lying down. It is important to identify the cause of the problem, as this will allow for the selection of appropriate solutions to help improve breathing so that one can enjoy peaceful sleep every night.

stuffy nose allergy, dust mite allergy, remedies for allergic rhinitis

Allergens in the bedroom

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion is indeed allergies. This condition tends to make itself known at night when a person is lying down. As we know, bedrooms often collect dirt, dust mites, pet hair, and mold, which can lead to allergic reactions. When you lie down, the contact with allergens intensifies, which further exacerbates symptoms, including nasal congestion and itchy eyes.

To alleviate the allergy issue, it’s important to regularly clean the bedroom and wash bedding. Dust mites particularly accumulate in mattresses and pillows, so it’s also worth considering the purchase of hypoallergenic covers. In the case of pollen allergies, it's advisable to keep windows closed. For many people, air purifiers can help reduce the number of allergens.

If you suspect that nasal congestion is due to allergies, it's advisable to consult an allergist. Both desensitization and antihistamines can be beneficial. Among them, antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used and can provide quick relief for most individuals. Consulting an allergist will help determine the exact cause of the allergy, enabling the implementation of effective treatment.

stuffy nose and cough, viral infections, flu treatment

Upper respiratory infections

Viral infections, such as influenza or COVID-19, often cause congestion of the mucous membranes, leading to nasal blockage, especially when lying down. Swelling of the mucous membranes, along with increased mucus production and difficulty breathing, are the most common symptoms of upper respiratory infections, which tend to worsen at night.

During sleep, mucus accumulates in the nasal passages much more easily than during the day, causing a feeling of blockage. To alleviate the issue of nasal congestion, it is helpful to use steam inhalations with added essential oils, which aid in opening the airways. Investing in a humidifier can also help maintain the microclimate in the bedroom.

If the symptoms of nasal congestion last longer than a few days, and are accompanied by high fever along with headaches or greenish discharge, it may indicate bacterial sinusitis, which requires treatment with antibiotics. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

stuffy nose and sinuses, nasal polyps, enlarged nasal turbinates

Sinus problems

Chronic sinus diseases, such as sinusitis or nasal polyps, also cause a bothersome sensation of nasal congestion in most patients, which worsens when lying down. In the supine position, mucus accumulates in the sinuses, making drainage difficult and leading to blockage of the nasal passages. Additionally, nasal polyps or hypertrophy of the turbinates can further obstruct airflow.

A potential solution is pharmacological treatment, including the use of corticosteroids that help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes, thereby facilitating easier breathing. Sinus irrigation using specialized devices can also be beneficial. In some cases, surgical intervention, such as FESS, septoplasty, or turbinectomy, may be necessary.

If the issue of nasal congestion when lying down arises from chronic sinusitis, it is advisable to avoid dry and air-conditioned rooms where symptoms tend to worsen. To effectively alleviate symptoms, maintaining humidity in the air and addressing the underlying causes is essential.

stuffy nose from air conditioning, nasal blockage, dryness in the nose

Humidity in the bedroom

Dry air in the bedroom can also lead to irritation of the nose, which manifests as a sensation of nasal congestion. When the humidity of the air in the bedroom is low, the mucous membranes become dry, making them more susceptible to swelling, which leads to breathing difficulties. This issue worsens in winter, when heating further dries the air.

To effectively improve sleep comfort, it is essential to maintain an appropriate humidity level in the bedroom, which should be around 40-60%. Currently popular humidifiers are simple and effective devices that help maintain the optimal humidity level. Regularly moisturizing the mucous membranes with sea salt sprays is also beneficial, as it further aids in relieving nasal congestion.

Importantly, low humidity in the bedroom can also cause skin issues, including dryness and irritation, which can significantly lower the quality of life. Increasing the humidity not only reduces the risk of nasal congestion but also enhances overall sleep quality.

Gastroesophageal reflux

Sometimes, gastroesophageal reflux can also be one of the causes of nasal congestion when lying down. It leads to irritation of the mucous membranes in the throat and nose when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This, in turn, causes swelling of the mucosa, resulting in this symptom. Reflux symptoms, such as heartburn, cough, or hoarseness, also intensify at night.

To alleviate reflux symptoms, it is advisable to avoid consuming heavy foods before bedtime. It is also beneficial to use an ergonomic pillow and to take medications that reduce stomach acid secretion. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce breathing difficulties at night.

In cases where nasal congestion results from reflux, it is also wise to consult a doctor to implement appropriate treatment, which will help manage stomach acidity and improve breathing during sleep.

stuffy nose and headache, runny nose during migraine, sinus pain

Pillows for a stuffy nose

As you can see, nasal congestion when lying down can have many different causes, ranging from allergies or infections to stomach issues. Depending on the cause, there are various solutions that can help alleviate this condition. The key is to identify the source of the problem, which allows for the implementation of appropriately tailored actions, such as humidifying the air or avoiding allergens, as well as treating infections or reflux. By maintaining suitable conditions in the bedroom and applying effective treatment methods, you can successfully clear your nose.

To relieve symptoms and improve sleep quality, it's important to ensure proper conditions in your bedroom and consider choosing an orthopedic pillow that supports the correct body alignment and breathing during sleep. Unique ON SEN® pillows, such as Asana, Enso, and Hiro, are excellent solutions that help maintain a healthy posture, improving breathing comfort at night.

Asana pillow – made from HR foam, dedicated mainly to individuals of average height and standard weight (150-185 cm, 55-90 kg), featuring medium firmness (27N).
Enso pillow – made from HR foam, primarily designed for individuals of short or average height and low weight (150-175 cm, 35-75 kg), with reduced firmness (25N).
Hiro pillow – made from HR foam, intended mainly for individuals of average or tall height and high weight (above 165 cm, over 90 kg), with high firmness (28N).

Choosing the right orthopedic pillow that adapts to individual needs significantly improves sleep comfort and breathing, helping to unblock the nose. ONSEN® pillows offer advanced technology and anatomical shapes that help maintain proper body position, which is extremely important for those struggling with a blocked nose as well as other respiratory issues.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

reflux pillow, anti-reflux pillows, reflux treatment

FAQ: Stuffy nose while lying down

Why does the nose get stuffy when lying down?

When you lie down, the distribution of blood flow in your body changes. This can cause congestion of the nasal mucous membranes. In the lying position, the sinuses may not drain mucus as efficiently as when standing or sitting, leading to a feeling of a stuffy nose.

Why does the nose get stuffy at night?

The nose can become stuffy at night for several reasons. The most common ones include air that's too dry, allergies, or respiratory infections. It could also be a reaction to a change in body position, sometimes related to reflux. During sleep, the immune system's activity decreases, which can lead to increased swelling of the nasal mucous membranes.

What to do when one nostril is blocked?

If only one nostril is blocked, changing your body position can help. Try lying on the opposite side, which may help the mucus drain better. You may also want to consider humidifying the air in your bedroom, using a saline nasal rinse, or trying steam inhalation.

What sleeping position is best with a stuffy nose?

When dealing with a stuffy nose, it?s best to sleep with your head elevated. Although this is not ideal for your spine and can block airways, it sometimes allows for better airflow by reducing the swelling of the nasal membranes.

How to lie down to clear a stuffy nose?

To reduce nasal swelling, it's best to lie on your side, but not on the side where the nose is blocked. It's also important to avoid lying flat on your back, as this can worsen the congestion. Breathing techniques, steam, or humidifying the air in the bedroom can also be helpful.

Contents

Allergens in the bedroom

Upper respiratory infections

Sinus problems

Humidity in the bedroom

Gastroesophageal reflux

Pillows for a stuffy nose

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Comments

Ryszard write:

wszystkie te porady opisane powyżej nic nie warte w moim przypadku. Zatyka mi prawa stronę po paru godzinach a nieraz po godzinie jak sie położę na wysokości polowy nosa Czuje mocny ucisk w nocy , bol , musze wstać wypić kawę pochodzić z godzinę i samo sie odtyka i tak od 20 lat. Miałem z 15 lat temu septoplastyke czyli prostowanie przegrody później dwa razy kochnonoplastyke a ostatnio po długim oczekiwanie operacje fes. Dalej problem pozostaje taki sam. Żadne sterydy itp , nic nie pomagają a raczej szkodzą . Jedynie zwykle krople nosa klimatozolin albo tabletki ibuprofen , tylko tego nie mozna brać za długo. Testy alergiczne wychodzą dobrze , testy na bolieroze tez i sa ok. Akupunkturę tez próbowałem. Bez rezultatu. Szpital mi zalecił plastyczna korektę nosa ale to robią nieliczne kliniki w Polsce i niewiadome dokładnie które i bardzo długi czas oczekiwania Natomiast prywatne z którymi rozmawiałem , to dość ze ogromna kasę chca, to nic w sumie więcej nie proponują oprócz kochnoplastyki , ktora juz dwa razy miałem. Naprwde nie mam pojecia co robic , zeby choc normalnie z jedna noc przespac

Added: 31 grudnia 2024, 04:49. Add an answer

ONSEN® Expert write:

Przykro jest nam czytać o Pana problemach. Rozumiemy, że przeszedł już Pan przez różne metody leczenia i nie przyniosły one znaczącej poprawy, co musi być frustrujące. Skoro jednak standardowe metody leczenia okazały się nieskuteczne, warto jest rozważyć zmianę lekarza na innego otolaryngologa lub alergologa. Czasem inne spojrzenie przynosi też rozmowa z dobrym, doświadczonym internistą. Przy tak długo trwających dolegliwościach każda nowa opinia czy sugestia może być cenna. Prosimy nie rezygnować z dalszego szukania pomocy, mimo wszystkich przeszkód.

Added: 15 stycznia 2025, 09:33. ONSEN® Expert, 15 stycznia 2025, 09:09')">Add an answer

Horst Lex write:

Rjen ze seswi colum did winje kashomski. Roshschwie Calum jedne soi. Jeltit katowiezne rem pubikem jadoid. Limno shedie asztoi did katovagnie. Shom vis tetje camorne voiszo. Shemne virzte totnuk vi led e. Shom vines esz loimte shozum. Avrizne shoztum Hortznie Lextem

Added: 29 stycznia 2025, 21:41. Add an answer

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Stuffy nose after lying down – causes and solutions

Allergens in the bedroom

Upper respiratory infections

Sinus problems

Humidity in the bedroom

Gastroesophageal reflux

Pillows for a stuffy nose

FAQ: Stuffy nose while lying down

Why does the nose get stuffy when lying down?

Why does the nose get stuffy at night?

What to do when one nostril is blocked?

What sleeping position is best with a stuffy nose?

How to lie down to clear a stuffy nose?

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