Snoring

According to Very Well Health, snoring occurs when airflow through the upper airway is obstructed, causing soft tissues in the throat to vibrate. This prolonged condition can disrupt sleep.

Individuals who snore often wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or fatigue, even after many hours of sleep. Snoring can also impact the sleep of those sharing a bed.

Nasal congestion

Nasal congestion is a common reason many people struggle to sleep. When nasal passages are blocked by a cold or sinusitis, airflow through the nose decreases, making breathing difficult. This often leads individuals to breathe through their mouths during sleep, which can cause a dry throat and frequent nighttime awakenings.

People with respiratory issues that cause coughing can affect sleep quality. Photo: Duong Anh

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis frequently causes sneezing, a runny nose, and an itchy nose, particularly at night or in the early morning. These symptoms make it challenging for sufferers to fall asleep or lead to frequent awakenings. Exposure to triggers such as house dust, pet dander, or pollen in the bedroom can exacerbate nasal congestion and airway irritation.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes temporarily blocked multiple times during sleep. This causes the individual to stop breathing for several to tens of seconds before resuming. Each such event triggers an arousal response from the brain to restore breathing.

Individuals with sleep apnea often do not recall waking, but their sleep is constantly fragmented. Common signs include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime sleepiness, and headaches upon waking, according to the Times of India.

Asthma

For some, asthma symptoms become more pronounced at night. Airways can constrict significantly, leading to coughing, wheezing, or a feeling of chest tightness during sleep. These nocturnal coughs or breathing difficulties cause sufferers to wake, resulting in shallow sleep and fatigue the following morning. Effective asthma management can improve sleep quality.

Respiratory infections

Colds, flu, or other respiratory infections often present with coughing, nasal congestion, a sore throat, and increased secretions. These symptoms typically worsen when lying down, particularly prolonged nighttime coughing. Fever or body aches during the infection phase can also disrupt sleep.

To improve sleep, it is essential to identify and address the underlying causes of breathing difficulties or airway obstruction. Maintaining a clean bedroom and limiting exposure to dust, pet dander, and smoke can help reduce airway irritation.

For those experiencing frequent nasal congestion, rinsing the nose with saline solution as appropriate and maintaining a comfortable room humidity can be beneficial. Individuals who snore should maintain a healthy weight and, if suitable, prioritize sleeping on their side.

If you experience persistent loud snoring, episodes of paused breathing during sleep, frequent awakenings due to breathing difficulties, or excessive daytime sleepiness, consult a doctor for an evaluation of sleep-related breathing disorders.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)