Why does your nose get blocked at night?

Do you breathe normally during the day but find your nose getting blocked as soon as you lie down at night?  This is a common problem for many people. A blocked nose can disturb sleep force you to breathe through your mouth and leave you with a dry mouth or sore  throat in the morning.

Many people think a blocked nose is only caused by a cold but doctors say there can be several other reasons.

Your sleeping position

One of the most common reasons is the position of your body while sleeping.  During the day when you are sitting or standing gravity helps mucus drain from the nose.

When you lie down mucus can collect inside the nasal passages making the nose feel blocked and making breathing more difficult.

Natural changes at night

The body also goes through natural changes during sleep.  Hormone levels and nerve activity can affect the blood vessels and tissues inside the nose.

These changes may increase swelling or mucus in the nasal passages. People who already have allergies or nasal inflammation may notice the problem more strongly at night.

Allergies in the bedroom

Allergies can be another major reason for nighttime nasal blockage.  If your nose becomes blocked mainly after going to bed check your sleeping environment.

Dust, bedding, pillows, curtains and carpets can contain tiny dust mites that may trigger allergies.  Damp walls and mold can also cause sneezing, itching and a blocked nose.

Regularly washing bedding cleaning the room and keeping the sleeping area dry may help reduce these triggers.

Acid reflux can also play a role

Acid reflux may also cause problems at night. Eating a heavy meal and lying down soon afterward can allow stomach acid to move toward the throat.

This may cause throat irritation and sometimes a feeling of nasal blockage. If you also experience heartburn a sour taste in the mouth frequent throat clearing or a burning throat in the morning it is better to speak with a doctor.

Simple ways to feel better

If you wake up with a blocked nose a saline nasal rinse may help clear mucus and make breathing easier.  Use a properly prepared saline solution and follow safe instructions when rinsing the nose. If your throat feels irritated gargling with warm salt water may provide some relief.

Good oral hygiene is also important for overall mouth and throat health.

When should you see a doctor?

Occasional nasal blockage is usually not a major concern. However you should not ignore it if your nose is blocked every night or your sleep is regularly disturbed. See a doctor if you have persistent sneezing, facial pain headaches fever breathing difficulty or ongoing nasal discharge.

Finding the real cause of nighttime nasal blockage can help improve both your sleep and breathing.