Tips for How to Sleep with a Stuffy Nose
Not every solution will work for every instance of a stuffy nose, but these tips can help you get some much-needed sleep so that your immune system can get to work.
Keep Your Head Up
Simply elevating your head at night may reduce the feeling of nasal congestion.1 When you’re lying flat, gravity isn’t working with you but rather against you. Some people prefer sleeping on a wedge pillow to comfortably raise their head and shoulders when they’re sleeping, while other may choose to stack pillows in a comfortable fashion. This tactic may even help prevent waking up with a stuffy nose!2
Add Some Moisture to the Air
Whether you take a hot shower before heading to bed and inhale the steam or if you prefer using a humidifier in your bedroom, moisture in the air can thin the mucus that causes congestion and allow it to drain.1,2 A warm compress on your sinuses can also help.2
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration can help thin the mucus that stuffs up your nose and relieve congestion by allowing it to drain from your sinuses.1,2 Clear fluids like water, tea, and broth are great choices. Most adults need to consume between 90 and 125 fluid ounces of water every day, and this can come from food and drink.1 However, if you’re not feeling great, you may want to up your intake. The same is true if you live in a warm climate or are physically active and need to replace fluids lost through sweat.1
Consider Medications
A stuffy nose can feel like it’s been around for eons, even if it’s only been a few days. Whether you’re suffering from allergies, a cold, or fighting the flu, over-the-counter medications can help you relieve your symptoms. The active ingredients in these drugs are targeted to relieve congestion, allowing you to sleep at night.
For relief from a stuffy nose so you can sleep, look to Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough Hot Liquid Powder, which delivers a powerful combination of antihistamines and decongestants. Treat your stuffy nose and get a good night’s rest.