Experiencing chronic sinus issues can make it hard for some people to sleep comfortably. | Zohre Nemati / Unsplash
Experiencing chronic sinus issues can make it hard for some people to sleep comfortably. | Zohre Nemati / Unsplash
When a person is sick -- particularly with sinus issues -- they may find themselves feeling so uncomfortable that it negatively affects how they sleep.
The National Institutes of Health conducted a study revealing that between 60 and 75% of those experiencing chronic sinusitis also suffer from poor sleep.
"Sinusitis can impact the quality of life in many ways. It can impact life from a sleep standpoint. If you are not breathing well, you are not sleeping well; if you are not sleeping well, you are not able to perform daily tasks to your best potential," Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, told PHX Reporter.
Chronic sinusitis affects 28.9 million Americans, or 11% of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"Sinusitis, by definition, is inflammation of the sinuses. This is important to note (because) as inflammation of the sinuses becomes chronic, it makes it more challenging for the sinuses to function optimally," Ruiloba said. "Over time, chronic sinusitis can lead to a lack of functionality, which leads to persistent symptoms of nasal obstruction, facial pressure/pain and posterior nasal drainage. These persistent symptoms then begin to affect the quality of life."
A large number of patients in one study correlated multiple chronic symptoms with sleep impairment, according to the National Institutes of Health.
According to Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of chronic sinusitis include: nasal inflammation; thick, discolored discharge from the nose; drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage); nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through the nose; pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead; reduced sense of smell and taste; ear pain; aching in the upper jaw and teeth; cough or throat clearing; sore throat; bad breath and fatigue.
Chronic sinusitis can make it hard to enjoy everyday life. If you think a specialist could help, take this quiz from Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.
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