Skip to Content
You groggily rollover out of a disruptive sleep and look at the clock. It is 4:00 am. Too early to get up for the day, but too late to get back into a deep sleep. All you can think about at this exact moment is getting an ice-cold cup of water. The feeling of being dehydrated is one of the many factors that causes an inability to sleep comfortably through the night. The reason you may be experiencing this pesky problem could be the result of something other than dehydration.
What Can Cause Dry Mouth?
It may seem like the beginning of a cold; dehydration, sore throat, dry mouth. There is a possibility that it may be a consequence of something occurring within the sinuses. The sinuses’ general purpose is to be able to clean, moisten, and heat air that enters the body. When this is impeded, the only other way to intake oxygen would be through the mouth. Breathing through the mouth can cause disrupted sleep, drowsiness, dehydration, dry mouth and lips, and discomfort in the throat.
When the sinuses are obstructed, it could mean a variety of different issues. There could be allergies, a common cold or flu, or even sinusitis. These blockages, especially during sleep, can create disruptive breathing cycles that make it seemingly impossible to get a good night’s sleep; and the first step to turning it around is to determine the source of the issue.
Typically, determining whether a sinus blockage is caused by a cold, allergies, or sinus infection is fairly easy as long as attention is given to the other symptoms (aside from nasal blockage.) Allergies may be accompanied by hives, itchy eyes, or sneezing. With allergies, the allergen must first be determined and avoided for the easiest relief. From there, allergy medications can be taken to help alleviate congestion.
Best Ways to Treat Dry Mouth
If it is a cold or flu, it is often associated with a fever, severe cough, stomach discomfort, and fever. Over the counter medication can be taken to alleviate some of the symptoms, and they will most likely dissipate within a week or two depending on the severity. If symptoms do not ease before then, it would be best to see a doctor.
As for sinus issues, other symptoms may include facial pressure, headaches, and postnasal drip; but will often remain localized within the sinuses. Some nasal sprays can be taken to alleviate the severe congestion, however it is crucial to consult a doctor to see if you may be a candidate for antibiotics or even a procedure, like balloon sinuplasty, that can assist in creating proper drainage of the sinuses.
Sleep Better
It is time to get a good night’s sleep. Whether it be allergies, cold, or sinusitis it is imperative to take the steps needed to improve airflow for a fulfilling night’s sleep. Say goodbye to dehydration, drowsiness and dry mouth, and wake up feeling rested and recharged; just by clearing the sinuses.
