Why do my sinuses drain when I lay on my right side?

When you lie down, blood pressure changes and blood may remain in the upper body longer than it does when you sit or stand. In addition, the pull of gravity on the body’s internal tissues can compress blood vessels in the sinuses. This can cause tissue to swell up, leading to worse sinus symptoms.

Why do my sinuses open up when I lay down?

When a person lies down at night, there is more blood flowing to the head, leading to an increased congestion of the nasal lining. A flat lying position also inhibits gravity-dependent sinus and nasal drainage and can worsen nasal congestion.

What side should I sleep on if my right nostril is clogged?

Perfect your sleeping position. As we sleep, mucus doesn’t drain as effectively. That makes the nose even more blocked. So, the best way to sleep with a blocked nose is to prop your head up on an extra pillow or two. Also, it’s best to sleep on your side if you can as lying on your back could make things worse.

How do I stop my sinuses from draining when I lay down?

Instead, try these expert-approved tips to help you sleep better despite sinus pain and congestion:

1. Take an antihistamine before bed.
2. Make your bedroom a pet-free zone.
3. Prop up your head.
4. Skip that nightcap.
5. Avoid caffeine before bed.
6. Keep nasal passages moist.
7. Keep your bedroom cool and dark.

Why does my sinus move from side to side?

In order to open one side of your nose and close the other, your body inflates tissue with blood in the same way that a man gets an erection, except, you know, in your nose. “Increased blood flow causes congestion in one nostril for about 3 to 6 hours before switching to the other side.

Why do I always wake up with one blocked nostril?

If you wake up with a stuffy nose and you don’t have a cold or the flu, you may be dealing with allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. Your nasal congestion could be caused by dust mites, seasonal allergies, pet dander, reflux disease, hormonal changes, or chemicals in your environment like secondhand smoke.

How can I decongest my nose before bed?

What to do right before bed

1. Take an antihistamine.
2. Diffuse an essential oil in your bedroom.
3. Use a humidifier in your bedroom.
4. Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
5. Apply a nasal strip.
6. Apply an essential oil chest rub.
7. Apply a menthol chest rub.
8. Prop up your head so you remain elevated.

Why do I wake up with one nostril blocked?

Why do my sinuses hurt more when I Lie Down?

Additionally, while you’re vertical, gravity also helps your sinuses drain naturally down your esophagus and into your stomach. When you lie down, however, your body doesn’t have to fight as hard to send blood to your head. Increased blood flow in the blood vessels of your sinuses can, in turn, cause sinus congestion, pressure, and pain.

What is the best sleeping position for sinus drainage?

The best sleeping position for sinus drainage issues and other sinus problems is to sleep with your head propped up. Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and lower the likelihood of excessive blood flow that can create sinus congestion.

Why do some people have trouble sleeping with their nose down?

Some people may have an overly long soft palate or uvula that can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea. Deformities of the bony structure of the nose, such as a deviated nasal septum, and nasal polyps are other examples of ENT airway obstructions that can interfere with sleep.

Is sleeping with your head propped up good for sinuses?

Sleeping with your head propped up will help gravity naturally drain your sinuses and lower the likelihood of excessive blood flow that can create sinus congestion. Sinus infections, also known as sinusitis, will likely have you asking not only, “Why are my sinuses worse at night?” but also, “Why are my sinuses trying to kill me?”