Lying down can increase blood flow to your head, which causes swelling in the nasal blood vessels.
Structural problems in thenostrils or nasal cavitycan also increase a person’s vulnerability to nighttime congestion.
When this happens, the body will release inflammatory chemicals that cause blood vessels to widen.
Verwell / Brianna Gilmartin
A stuffy nose can occur at night due to dust mites that thrive in pillows and mattresses.
Airborne allergens like pollen also tend to settle in cooler nighttime temperatures.
These tend to get worse at night due to your horizontal sleep position.
This is more likely to occur in people with structural problems in the nostrils and nasal cavities.
Older age can also cause structures within the nasal passages to change, weaken, or collapse.
Other conditions can directly or indirectly affect blood flow to the nasal passages and cause congestion.
The obstruction can be physical or the result of an obstructive pulmonary (lung) disease.
The risk of this is greater in winter, particularly at higher altitudes which inherently increase blood pressure.
Medications
Many medications can cause nasal stuffiness.
Nasal irritation and nighttime congestion are two of the lesser-known symptoms.
People with chronic sinusitis are three to nine times more likely to experience sleep disturbances with frequent nighttime awakenings.
For example, allergies can be treated with antihistamines, nasal steroids, orimmunotherapy.
Medications such as antacids andproton pump inhibitorsare commonly used to treat GERD.
Treat one nostril at a time until it is clear, then switch to the other nostril.
Stop if you notice blood in the mucus or nose.
Check with your pediatrician to determine if antihistamines or cold medicine should be given.
Summary
There are a few reasons why your stuffy nose may get worse at night.
Allergies, respiratory infections, and dry air are common causes of nighttime congestion.
Some, like your sleep position, can be easily fixed.
Others, like GERD, may need medical treatment.
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