PHX Reporter

• 60-75% of people with chronic sinusitis also struggle with sleep apnea.
• There are simple steps that a sinusitis sufferer can take to improve their sleep.
• Studies have shown that patients who undergo a minimally invasive sinus procedure, find that their sleep quality improves drastically.

Sleep is one of the most important things that the human body needs to function, however sinusitis can get in the way of that. Dr. John Stewart of Arizona Breathe Free said if a patient leaves their sinusitis untreated, they run the risk of developing sleep apnea. 

"Chronic sinusitis can have many significant consequences to one’s health," Dr. Stewart told PHX Reporter. "If left untreated, it can affect not only one’s nasal passageways and respiratory system, but your cardiovascular health as well. Chronic sinusitis can lead to nasal obstruction, which if untreated, can cause sleep apnea. Subsequently, if sleep apnea is left untreated, it can negatively impact the heart - causing heart arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation), stroke."

A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis are more likely to experience poor quality sleep. While 8-18% of the general population suffers from sleep disruption, the study found that 60-75% of people with chronic sinusitis experience sleep disruption. The study found that chronic sinusitis patients who experience sleep disruption are also more likely to experience depression, a decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, fatigue throughout the day, and decreased memory and productivity.

Signs that your sleep quality could be better can include taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night, regularly waking up more than once during the night, experiencing breakouts, having red or puffy eyes or dark circles under the eyes, finding it difficult to concentrate during the day, or feeling tired throughout the day. In addition to chronic health conditions, factors that can contribute to poor sleep quality include stress and anxiety, the absence of a regular sleep schedule, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. To improve sleep quality, the Sleep Foundation recommends implementing a consistent sleep schedule, not watching TV or looking at a phone or computer within 30 minutes of going to bed, not drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, and starting a relaxing bedtime routine. If sleep quality does not improve after implementing those changes, it could be time to talk a doctor.

Many patients who undergo a minimally invasive surgery to treat their chronic sinusitis also find that after the surgery, their quality of sleep drastically improves, according to Atlanta ENT. A study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery found significant improvement in the patients' sleep quality and overall quality of life.