Understanding the Link Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality

Good quality sleep is crucial to a healthy mind and body. One can’t simply function properly during the day without adequate and good-quality sleep. Unfortunately, common sinusitis symptoms like congestion, postnasal drip, and headaches make this an impossible feat.

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Sinus issues often cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in breathing. Unfortunately, those who suffer from sinus issues will tell you that the symptoms aren’t only a daytime issue – they extend through the night as well.

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Poor sinus health will often have one tossing and turning in bed all night, trying to find the right position to breathe properly so they can sleep comfortably. This usually results in restlessness during sleeping hours and causes daytime fatigue.

Chronic Sinusitis and Its Impact on Sleep

Chronic sinusitis is a prevalent respiratory condition that affects people from all over the world. Unfortunately, aside from the sinus issues, chronic sinusitis patients are 60 % to 70% more likely to also suffer from disrupted and poor-quality sleep.

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Poor quality and inadequate sleep will result in daytime fatigue, not allowing patients to function properly during the day. This can quickly impact one’s quality of life, severely affecting their mental health.

The Link Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality

There is a clear and distinct link between poor sinus health and sleep quality. The link typically comes from common sinusitis symptoms that disrupt the patient’s sleep. Let’s break it down here:

Facial pain and pressure in the sinus area

Sinusitis often causes pain and pressure around the sinuses, eyes, nose, cheeks, and forehead, leading to discomfort throughout the day. At night, symptoms can worsen, making it difficult to sleep. Many patients experience restlessness and disrupted sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue that can impair daily function.

Blocked nasal passages

Sinusitis causes inflammation in the sinus and nasal passages, leading to mucus buildup and blockages that hinder optimal breathing. Symptoms often worsen when lying down, forcing patients to breathe through their mouths. Since this is a less efficient way to breathe, it can result in poor-quality sleep and increased discomfort.

Postnasal drip

Postnasal drip is a common sinusitis symptom that is characterized by mucus dripping down the back of the throat. This triggers coughing and leads to throat irritation. When lying down, these symptoms are more evident and can easily disrupt one’s sleep.

Increased respiratory effort

Blocked sinuses will force sinusitis patients to increase their bodies’ respiratory effort in an attempt to breathe efficiently during sleep. This can be extremely tiring and cause restlessness during sleeping hours.

Sleep apnea

An accumulation of sinusitis symptoms can result in a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes constant pauses in breathing while the patient is asleep. This is because blocked sinuses and the inability to breathe through the nose will leave patients with no other choice than to breathe through their mouths. Open-mouth breathing can result in blocked airways, causing frequent pauses in breathing. When there isn't enough oxygen in the blood, the brain is signaled to wake up and catch a gasp of air. This results in disrupted sleep and disturbed sleeping schedules.

Manage Your Sinus Health and Get Better Sleep With Arizona Breathe Free

If you frequently experience sinus issues like nasal congestion, postnasal drip, headaches, and discomfort, you may also struggle to get quality sleep.

Poor quality sleep due to poor sinus health can impair cognitive functions, cause daytime fatigue, and impact one’s quality of life. At Arizona Breathe Free, we are committed to helping our patients manage sinus health issues so they can sleep better and get enough rest to take on each day.

Book an appointment with our team today and let’s start discussing how you can improve your sinus health for better sleep!