Many people find themselves struggling to breathe through their nose at night. During the day, everything may feel normal, but the moment they lie down to sleep, the nose becomes blocked. Dr Avvaru Satya
Kiran, Senior ENT, Head & Neck Consultant; Chief Cochlear Implant & Lateral Skull Base Surgeon, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, says, “This is a very common concern, and it’s not always caused by a simple cold or infection.”
Why It Happens More at Night
When we lie flat, blood flow to the head naturally increases. Dr Kiran explains, “This increased blood flow causes the nasal mucosa, the delicate lining inside the nose to swell slightly. That swelling narrows the nasal passages, making it harder to breathe.”
He adds that environmental factors can worsen the problem.
“If the air in your room is too dry or filled with irritants like dust, pet dander, or tiny dust mites, these particles can inflame the nasal lining and trigger allergies, worsening congestion,” says Dr. Kiran.
When It’s More Than Just a Blocked Nose
Sometimes, structural issues inside the nose are the real culprits.
“Conditions like a deviated septum where the nasal wall is crooked or nasal polyps, which are small growths inside the nose, can make nighttime congestion persistent and more severe,” explains Dr. Kiran.
He emphasizes that chronic nasal obstruction isn’t just uncomfortable; it can have deeper health consequences.
“When you can’t breathe properly through your nose, you’re forced to switch to mouth breathing. This dries out the throat, increases snoring, and disrupts sleep quality,” he notes.
Over time, poor sleep leads to fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration during the day. “A blocked nose might seem minor,” Dr. Kiran says, “but it can seriously affect your overall well-being if left unaddressed.”
What You Can Do at Home
According to Dr. Kiran, some simple home measures can significantly ease nighttime nasal congestion:
“Keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping,” he advises. “It helps reduce blood pooling in the nasal area and makes breathing easier.”
Maintain comfortable humidity in your bedroom. “Very dry air worsens irritation, so using a humidifier can be beneficial,” says Dr. Kiran.
Keep your bedding clean to minimize exposure to allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
Try steam inhalation or a saline nasal spray before bed to clear the nasal passages and soothe irritation.
These small adjustments can help improve airflow and ensure more restful sleep.
When to See a Doctor
While occasional nasal stuffiness is common, Dr. Kiran warns against ignoring persistent symptoms.
“If nasal blockage lasts for more than 10 days, or if you experience facial pressure, headaches, loud snoring, or episodes where breathing stops during sleep, it’s time to see a specialist,” he advises.
Such symptoms could indicate chronic sinus inflammation, nasal polyps, or structural issues that may require medical or surgical treatment.
“With the right evaluation and treatment, most patients experience dramatic improvement not just in their breathing, but in their sleep and daytime energy levels too,” says Dr Kiran.
A blocked nose at night might seem like a small inconvenience, but it can have a big impact on sleep and health. As Dr. Avvaru Satya Kiran puts it, “Breathing well at night is not a luxury, it’s essential. If your nose feels blocked every night, don’t dismiss it as a habit or weather issue. There’s usually a treatable cause behind it.”
