How does sleep posture affect my health?
Sleep posture plays an important role in your overall health. It may be linked to certain issues, like back pain, mental and emotional health, back pain, and snoring. Your sleep posture can also affect the way you sleep during the night. When you toss and turn during the night, your sleep quality suffers, affecting your overall health, stress levels, and mood.
When it comes to ear, nose, and throat health, your sleep posture can also play an important role. Sleep posture can significantly affect your body’s ability to properly drain sinus fluids and the overall function of your respiratory system.
How does my sleep position affect sinus pain and congestion?
Sinusitis refers to a sinus infection caused by sinus swelling and excessive mucus buildup. It is common in the general public–especially for those who have allergies–and can cause a number of painful symptoms. These include sinus pressure, headaches, pressure below the eyes, and nasal congestion, among other uncomfortable side effects. Ear, nose, and throat doctors recognize that your sleep can impact sinusitis and other respiratory conditions. For example, many find that allergies tend to worsen while sleeping. Others complain that sinuses become clogged while lying down. While there are other factors that can affect your sinus health at night, sleep posture is an important consideration.
What is the best sleeping position for sinusitis or congestion?
Many experts recommend the following adjustments to your sleep routine, which include sleep position modifications, to improve your quality of sleep, reduce snoring, and improve sinus health:
- Position your head so that you are propped up while sleeping (you can find posture pillows that help with this)
- Do not lie down flat on your back, as it can cause congestion
- Consider taking antihistamines before bed, and speak with an ear, nose, and throat doctor to determine if specific medications and treatments would help you sleep better
- Avoid allergens, like dust mites or pets, in the bedroom
What is the best position to sleep in with a stuffy nose?
When sleeping with a stuffy nose, always prop up the head and neck so that your nasal passageways can drain properly. When lying flat without an incline, your nasal passages can clog, causing snoring and infections in some cases. Many notice that sleeping on one side may cause sinus clogging in the sinuses closest to the bed. To avoid this, try lying on your back with pillows under your head. Under the guidance of your ear, nose, and throat doctor, you can also try taking allergy medications or decongestants before bed when appropriate.
Can sleep position cause snoring or sleep apnea?
Your sleep position can contribute to nasal congestion and the overall flow of air while you sleep. When the nasal passages are clogged or congested, it could cause disruptions in sleep and proper breathing. Speak with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine how your sleep position can be modified to help improve your sleep and avoid snoring and sleep apnea.
If you are suffering from the effects of bad sleep posture, the first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at eos sleep have extensive experience in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions as well as sleep-related problems. Call 212.873.6036 today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.