The top 6 reasons you may have a stuffy nose at night
Feel like you have a stuffy nose coming on, especially at night? Chances are, if you’ve got nasal congestion, you’re probably thinking — it’s got to be a cold! And yes, an infection like a cold is a big stuffy nose culprit — you’re not incorrect. But there are a number of other issues that can cause your nose to feel all blocked up. Here are some of the top reasons why you could have a stuffy nose (other than due to the common cold!).
Reasons you might have a stuffy nose at night
1. Allergies
Not all allergies happen when spring rolls around — you could be dealing with fall allergies or even a mold allergy, which can cause allergy symptoms year-round. And speaking of symptoms, nasal congestion is one of the key issues people with allergies have to deal with.
2. Stress
You probably know stress can affect your health and may even lead to headaches, muscle tension, sleep troubles, and an upset stomach. But did you know stress can also give you a stuffy nose? Yep, that’s right. Both emotional and physical stress may trigger nasal congestion. If you’re dealing with stress (and a stuffy nose), try rhythmic breathing: Take a deep breath in for five counts, then a deep breath out for another five. Continue until you feel relaxation set in.
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3. Hormones
Did you know certain hormonal changes may cause a stuffy nose? The trigger could be anything from pregnancy to getting your period, oral birth control, menopause, or even hypothyroidism—and you may want to discuss this with your doctor. If a stuffy nose is impacting nighttime breathing when you have a hormone shift, consider Breathe Right® Nasal Strips which instantly open your nose to help you have a more restful night's sleep. Plus, they’re drug-free and safe to use with any medicine and are the only nasal strip that uses 3M adhesive for a comfortable fit and removal.
4. Certain drugs
There’s a whole list of drugs that can cause nonallergic rhinitis (aka a stuffy nose that’s not caused by allergies). Common stuffy nose-inducing culprits include anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen and aspirin), blood pressure lowering drugs such as beta-blockers, sedatives, antidepressants, certain hormones, and erectile dysfunction medication.
5. Deviated septum
Look in the mirror and check out your nose — is that thin wall between your two nasal passages straight or crooked? If it’s displaced to one side, you could have a deviated septum, which can block breathing on one side of your nose and thus make you feel stuffy. Also, if you have a cold, you may notice it’s even more difficult to breathe — which is a bummer when you’re already feeling crummy! If you think you have a deviated septum, be sure to have it checked out by your doctor!
6. Nonallergic Rhinitis
Are you dealing with a stuffy nose that’s not caused by allergies? You may have nonallergic rhinitis! Symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis include a stuffy or runny nose, coughing, sneezing, or mucus in the throat. It can be brought on by a variety of factors, including but not limited to environmental irritants, some fragrances and fumes, certain medications (as seen above), hormone changes, infections, sleeping on your back, and more.1 If you suffer from chronic rhinitis, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.
If you’re frustrated about your stuffy nose, remember that there are solutions — because no one should have to suffer, especially if it’s affecting your sleep! One solution we think you’ll love? Breathe Right nasal strips. Try them for free, now! Instant nasal congestion relief, the moment you put them on.
References
- “Nonallergic Rhinitis - Symptoms And Causes”. Mayo Clinic, 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonallergic-rhinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351229. Accessed 5 May 2021.