Do you breathe through your mouth when you sleep? A lot of people do. That’s because they experience nighttime nasal congestion. It’s not pleasant. Your mouth gets terribly dry and scuzzy. Nighttime mouth breathers go to great lengths to try to overcome this problem.
Could Eucalyptus Help?
Q. Have you ever heard of using eucalyptus for nasal or sinus congestion? I have chronic problems with this that seem to be getting worse with age.
Once I walked into a florist’s shop where they happened to have a lot of fresh eucalyptus out. As soon as I walked in, my sinuses cleared up! In fact, it was a bit overpowering. But I would be grateful to recreate that effect today.
Do you have experience using eucalyptus or any other suggestions? I’ve been tested and told I don’t have allergies. Despite eliminating different foods, I’m still stuffy.
A. Eucalyptus oil, along with menthol and camphor, is a key ingredient in a popular over-the-counter cold remedy. For more than a hundred years, people have used Vicks VapoRub smeared on the chest to ease congestion from colds. Eucalyptol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity (Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Nov. 2023). It appears to reduce the production of mucus, which is probably how it alleviates nasal and sinus congestion.
There may be a temptation to put a eucalyptus-containing ointment in the nose to maximize this effect. Don’t do that! The petrolatum base can be inhaled and lead to chemical pneumonitis, a potentially serious lung complication.
Are There Natural Remedies for Nighttime Nasal Congestion?
Some over-the-counter solutions are not great, as this reader so vividly points out.
Q. I’ve had a cold and been very stuffed up for several days. I’m in a quandary about treating it. I’ve read that nasal sprays can cause “rebound congestion” when taken for too long. I’ve also heard concerns about pseudoephedrine pills.
I’d really prefer a natural remedy. Do you know of any that work?
A. A reader reports that Xlear Nasal Spray (www.xlear.com) with xylitol has been helpful for nasal symptoms. A study in the journal Laryngoscope (Nov. 2011) reported that nasal irrigation with a xylitol solution improved nasal congestion and sinus symptoms. (Please note that if you have dogs in your home, keep them away from any product with xylitol as it is toxic to canines.)
Ginger tea can help ease chest and nasal congestion temporarily. Natural supplements such as andrographis, astragalus, elderberry, vitamin D and zinc may help ease cold symptoms. Our eGuide to Colds, Coughs & the Flu provides more information about these treatments as well as tips on prescription antiviral medications to treat the flu.
Overcoming Nighttime Nasal Congestion Comes At a Price:
Q. I have tried everything for nasal congestion. Although some remedies work for a while, nothing has worked consistently over the years better than nose sprays. The problem–they are addictive.
My congestion is always at night, so I either have to use the sprays or I can’t sleep. I have tried oral decongestants. They clear up my nasal passages, but the ingredients keep me awake. I have also tried nasal strips with little success.
I wish there was a remedy that would help with my severe nighttime nasal congestion while letting me sleep through the night.
The Double Bind of Nighttime Nasal Congestion
A. You are caught in a classic double bind. Many people find that oral decongestants keep them awake.
Pseudoephedrine used to be widely available in OTC cough, cold and allergy medications. For example, you may recognize the familiar brand name Sudafed. Now, you have to ask the pharmacist if you want to purchase any product containing pseudoephedrine. It is only available behind the counter.
What Does It Take to Buy Pseudoephedrine?
The Patriot Act was signed by President George Bush on March 9, 2006. In this legislation there was the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005. It banned OTC sale of pseudoephedrine because the drug can be used illegally to manufacture methamphetamine (meth).
The only way to obtain Sudafed or other products (like Aleve-D Sinus & Headache) containing pseudoephedrine is to present the pharmacist with photo ID. The pharmacy will keep your personal information for at least two years after your purchase. People are limited in the amount of pseudoephedrine they can buy each month.
Side effects of pseudoephedrine may include nervousness and difficulty sleeping as well as difficulty urinating, rapid pulse, increases in blood pressure and palpitations.
Other Oral Decongestants:
You can still buy oral decongestants containing phenylephrine (often abbreviated PE) on the consumer-side of the counter. No driver’s license or photo ID is required. You can buy Sudafed PE without challenge. Advil Sinus Congestion & Pain contains phenylephrine as does Mucinex Sinus-Max, Tylenol Sinus and Robitussin PE Head and Chest Liquid.
If you see the word “D” in the name, “PE” or “Sinus,” you can assume it contains an oral decongestant. It will likely be phenylephrine. Side effects may include nervousness, insomnia, high blood pressure and dizziness.
Nasal Sprays and Rebound Nasal Congestion!
For people with nighttime nasal congestion it is very tempting to use an OTC nasal spray. Many readers have reported that regular use (more than three days) led them to become dependent upon decongestant nasal sprays. Here are just a few examples:
Michael was, in his words, “addicted” to his nasal spray:
“I was addicted to Afrin for many years. In 2007 I had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction procedure done. This helped tremendously, and I kicked the habit for 4 years.
“In 2011 I got really sick, and used Afrin to be able to breathe through the night. I was once again hooked on into 2017. The addiction comes from my inability to sleep if I cannot breathe through my nose.
“Since we sleep every night, the addiction continues. This past week I was awake for four days. Since I wasn’t sleeping, I had no need for Afrin. By the time I actually went to sleep, my nose was semi-clear. I was so exhausted that I slept easily despite my nose still being a bit blocked. When I woke up this morning, my nose was completely clear.
“Staying up for 4 days isn’t healthy, but it helped me kick this addiction. I’m beyond happy that I’ve once again reached freedom, and I will do everything I can to never use Afrin again.”
Vick also had a long-term “relationship” with Afrin:
“I was also hooked on Afrin for about 30+ years. I had a major heart attack and the cardiologist pulled me off Afrin. I did it the same way I did smoking – just quit and that was that. Yes, for a while I thought I would not be able to breathe. Today, I flush my sinuses with saline water (about twice a week or when needed).”
Here are links to ways to get overcome nasal spray dependence:
Can You Overcome Nighttime Nasal Congestion?
The most important question this reader needs to resolve is why is he suffering from nighttime nasal congestion? Perhaps an allergist could identify what is causing the stuffiness.
Some people cannot give up their beat-up old pillows. When a pillow collects dust mites it can lead to night time nasal congestion. That’s because people who are allergic to mite poop get direct exposure from their pillow (and their old mattress) (Clinical and Experimental Allergy, June, 2004). Pillows can also harbor fungi such as aspergillus (Allergy, Jan. 2006).
Researchers have found that:
“…the typical used pillow contains a substantial load of many species of fungi, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. Given the time spent sleeping, and the proximity of the pillow to the airway, synthetic and feather pillows could be the primary source of fungi and fungal products.”
An allergist can identify substances that might be contributing to nighttime nasal congestion. Such a specialist can recommend ways to reduce reactivity. Avoiding the triggers that are causing the congestion would be the best solution.
Non-stimulant treatment options include steroid nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort 24HR). Such drugs can help ease withdrawal stuffiness from decongestants like Afrin. They may also ease symptoms of congestion. Some people report relief by using a saline nasal spray.
Fred offers this less-than-perfect strategy:
“I have been plagued with allergies since I was a kid. My main problem is that my nose stops up at night. I always breathe through my nose, so when I get stopped up (usually at 2-3 AM), I wash my sinuses with a nasal wash. That will give relief for a couple of hours. I have tried washing before going to bed, but still get nasal congestion.
“I have a HEPA filter going continuously in the bedroom and we change sheets on a weekly basis.”
Peggy says Xlear has been helpful:
“One product that has no side effects and is very effective at clearing a stuffy nose is Xlear. It is available at Walmart and other stores. It is made with xylitol, the sweetener used in toothpaste. I use it whenever necessary and it quickly relieves congestion. I highly recommend it!”
Share your own technique for overcoming nighttime nasal congestion in the comment section below.
