A blocked nose is usually due to an inflammation of the nasal passages according to Mayo Clinic. The cause of the inflammation can be due to many different things.
Discover our latest podcast
Your nose could be blocked because of allergies
If you have allergies, this could be a major reason why you always wake up with a blocked nose. The most common allergies that people suffer from are pollen, dust mites and pet hair. If you are waking up with a stuffed nose you may want to determine what is causing your allergy to play up.
If you are allergic to pollen, you may wake up with a stuffed nose during the spring and summer months more than autumn and winter. If you are allergic to dust mites or pet hair, you may want to make sure you hoover regularly and don’t forget the most awkward spots like under or behind your bed.
Your nose could be blocked because of dry air
Our sinuses can dry out if there is a lack of moisture in the air. This can happen during the cold months and you turn your heating on most of the time. It also happens if you live in a naturally dry climate. This dryness can cause your nose and mouth to dry out and cause a sore throat and sometimes a nosebleed.
To avoid this, you can simply open your window to get some fresh air or you can buy a humidifier and have it run throughout the night.
Read more:
⋙ Here’s how sleeping with the lights on could affect your health
⋙ Mouth taping for sleep: This unusual technique could help you stop snoring
⋙ The best and worst foods to eat before bed
Your nose could be blocked because of acid reflux
If you’ve woken up with a blocked nose it could be due to what you ate the night before. Indeed a large meal the night before or certain foods like acidic fruit or spicy dishes can cause acid reflux or Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD or GORD).
When you lie down, acid can travel towards your nose and sinuses, this often happens to those who suffer from reflux. This phenomenon can also cause a post-nasal drip, which is when the mucous from your nose drips down your throat. This can potentially cause a chronic cough and the sensation of being bunged up.
To avoid this happening, you can sleep slightly propped up instead of lying completely flat on your bed.
