What causes nasal breathing difficulties during sleep?

Generally, nasal breathing difficulties during sleep may be caused by improper sleeping posture, dry environment, chronic simple rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, or other reasons. If symptoms occur frequently or affect sleep quality, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Improper sleeping posture: When lying supine with the head positioned too low, venous return in the nasal cavity increases, causing mild congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, which narrows the airway. Switching to a lateral position and slightly elevating the head can reduce blood accumulation in the nasal cavity and alleviate symptoms without requiring specific treatment.

2. Dry environment: Low humidity in the sleeping environment accelerates moisture loss from the nasal mucosa, impairing airflow. Using a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 40%–60%, and moistening the nasal passages with warm water before bedtime, can help relieve mucosal dryness.

3. Chronic simple rhinitis: Long-term inflammation leads to persistent congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa, with worsening symptoms at night, accompanied by alternating nasal obstruction and small amounts of mucous discharge. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include budesonide nasal spray, mometasone furoate nasal spray, or Tongqiao Biyan tablets. Avoid exposure to dust and cold air.

4. Allergic rhinitis: After exposure to allergens, nasal mucosal edema and increased secretions worsen at night, accompanied by nasal itching and sneezing. Doctors may recommend loratadine tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride drops, or azelastine nasal spray based on disease severity. Regular cleaning of bedding is necessary to reduce allergen exposure.

5. Nasal polyps: Chronic inflammation causes nasal mucosa to grow into polyps that obstruct the nasal passage, leading to persistent nasal blockage, reduced sense of smell, and headaches. Treatment may involve medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, cefixime dispersible tablets, and Biyuan Tongqiao granules as directed by a physician. Large polyps may require endoscopic sinus surgery for removal.

In daily life, maintain a clean and adequately humid sleeping environment and change bedding regularly; avoid dusty or oily kitchen fumes; consistently rinse the nose with saline solution; and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing prolonged nasal congestion or bloody nasal discharge.