We all know trying to sleep while sick and actually getting a good night’s rest can be quite the battle while experiencing sinus pain. It can be difficult to breathe, you could have a runny nose, headaches, or painful pressure. Not being able to get a good night’s rest can prevent your body and mind from getting the rest it needs, especially when sick. Sleep is a vital part of recovering and helps jumpstart your immune system to a faster recovery. 

Trying to Sleep While Sick

Experiencing sinus pain while trying to sleep can feel like an inconvenience and can be very uncomfortable. When you can’t sleep when sick, what do you do? There’s a multitude of different things you can try. To start, you can take an antihistamine before going to bed. This will help relieve some of your symptoms and some even make you sleepy.

Do Allergies Affect Sleep?

A common question is do allergies affect sleep? The answer is yes. Having allergies can worsen your sinus pain while trying to sleep, especially while lying down. It’s always best to try to keep pets out of your bedroom and to dust on a regular basis.  

Why Do My Allergy Symptoms Worsen at Night?

Another common question is why do my allergies worsen at night? You may have noticed that you feel fine during the day, but once it comes time to sleep, your symptoms start to get worse. This is because when you’re lying down it allows mucus build-up versus when you’re standing or sitting up, it allows the mucus to drain.

Tips to Help You Sleep Better at Night

Whether it’s from a common cold or allergies keeping you up at night, Jacksonville Sleep Center has some tips to help you breathe and sleep better at night.

  1. Take an antihistamine before going to bed. Taking an antihistamine before bed can help with allergies such as a runny nose and some even make you sleepy.
  2. Avoid caffeine after 2 pm. Caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you awake and it is also dehydrating, which can worsen sinuses. Avoiding caffeine after 2 pm will help you fall asleep much easier at night if you are a caffeine drinker. 
  3. No pets in the bedroom. Pets that shed will leave fur in your room and can make allergies worse. If you suffer from allergies, keeping your pets out of your bedroom is a good option.
  4. Prop your head up while sleeping. By keeping your head propped up through the night, it will help with drainage and therefore help your sinuses. Lying down creates mucus build-up and can worsen the pain.
  5. Keep your bedroom cool and dark. Keeping your bedroom cool and dark while trying to sleep helps relax you and can overall help with congestion while sleeping.
  6. No alcohol before bed. Drinking alcohol before bed, especially a glass of wine, can worsen your congestion and symptoms. 
  7.  Do what you can to avoid a dry nasal passage. A good way to do this is to use a nasal spray during the day. This helps keep your nasal passage clear. 

Find Better Sleep at Jacksonville Sleep Center 

Sleep is a vital part of living and it gives your body and mind a chance to rest and recharge for the next day. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, do not hesitate to reach out to Jacksonville Sleep Center by calling today.  We’re here to help you get your sleep back.