A deviated septum is a common condition where the thin wall of bone and cartilage, known as the nasal septum, separating your nasal passages is off-center or crooked. This misalignment can make one nasal passage smaller than the other, restricting airflow. While many people have a minor deviation without symptoms, a more pronounced one can significantly affect breathing, particularly during sleep.
Understanding Sleep Disruption
A deviated septum interferes with normal nasal breathing by obstructing the nasal passages, making airflow difficult. This reduced airflow can lead to several sleep-disrupting symptoms. Individuals often experience snoring or noisy breathing as air struggles to pass through the narrowed channels.
Difficulty breathing through the nose often leads to mouth breathing during sleep. This can result in a dry mouth upon waking and a feeling of not getting enough oxygen. Such issues often lead to fragmented sleep, characterized by frequent awakenings and a sensation of being unrested, leading to daytime fatigue.
While a deviated septum itself does not cause sleep apnea, it can worsen sleep apnea symptoms and make treatment more challenging. The obstructed nasal airflow increases the likelihood of throat muscles collapsing, which is a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea.
Practical Sleep Strategies
Adjusting your sleeping position can help improve airflow. Elevating the head with an extra pillow or a wedge pillow can reduce nasal swelling and drainage, preventing congestion. Sleeping on your side, especially the side opposite the more obstructed nostril, may also improve breathing by relieving pressure on the narrower passage.
Nasal dilators and strips help open the nasal passages. Nasal strips adhere to the outside of the nose, gently pulling the nostrils open, while internal dilators are inserted into the nostrils to widen the airways. These devices work by expanding the nasal passages, facilitating easier breathing.
Using a humidifier can also be beneficial. Adding moisture to the air helps keep nasal passages moist, alleviating dryness and congestion. This can make breathing more comfortable and reduce irritation throughout the night.
Saline nasal sprays or rinses help clear the nasal passages. These solutions wash away excess mucus, allergens, and irritants, reducing congestion and improving patency. Regular use can keep the nasal lining hydrated and free from blockages that exacerbate breathing difficulties.
Minimizing exposure to irritants before bed supports nasal breathing. Allergens like dust or pollen inflame nasal tissues, increasing congestion. Maintaining a clean sleeping environment and avoiding known triggers keep airways clearer.
Practicing good general sleep hygiene is important. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool supports sleep quality. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine prepares your body for a more restful night.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While home strategies can provide relief, professional medical consultation may be necessary. If you experience persistent severe snoring, chronic fatigue, or suspect sleep apnea, a doctor’s evaluation is recommended. Signs like gasping for air during sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness indicate a need for medical attention.
A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the extent of the deviated septum and rule out other conditions that might be contributing to sleep issues. They may use a physical examination of the nose or other diagnostic tools to assess the nasal passages.
If home remedies do not provide sufficient relief, a doctor can discuss further treatment options. These may include medical interventions such as prescription nasal sprays or, in some cases, surgical procedures like septoplasty. A septoplasty aims to straighten the nasal septum to improve airflow.