For many people, a good night’s sleep feels just out of reach. While stress and lifestyle often take the blame, nasal and sinus issues can play a surprisingly large role—sometimes even triggering sleep apnea.
At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., our team often sees patients who struggle with nighttime congestion, snoring, and interrupted sleep, only to learn that their sinus health is at the root of the problem.
The Connection Between Sinuses and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart throughout the night. While the throat and soft tissues are often the main culprits, chronic sinus problems can make things worse by limiting airflow before it even reaches the throat.
Common sinus-related triggers include:
- Chronic congestion or nasal obstruction – making it harder to breathe through the nose.
- Deviated septum or nasal polyps – structural issues that restrict airflow.
- Inflammation from chronic sinusitis or allergies – swelling that narrows nasal passages.
- Post-nasal drip – leading to airway irritation and disrupted breathing.
When the nose can’t do its job, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth at night—an issue that contributes to snoring and worsens sleep apnea.
Signs Your Sinuses May Be Affecting Your Sleep
If you experience the following, your nasal health could be a factor:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Persistent congestion at night
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue despite a full night in bed
These symptoms may signal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems if left untreated.
Treatment Options for Lasting Relief
The good news? Addressing sinus and nasal issues can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
- Medication management for allergies or inflammation
- In-office procedures like Balloon Sinuplasty to open blocked sinuses
- VivAer®, Neuromark®, or RhinAer® procedures to treat nasal airway obstruction or chronic rhinitis
- Surgical correction of a deviated septum or removal of nasal polyps if needed
By restoring proper airflow, many patients experience reduced snoring, better sleep, and improved overall health.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you’re struggling with restless nights, loud snoring, or daytime fatigue, your sinuses may be part of the problem. At Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C., Dr. Ramie A. Tritt and our experienced team can help identify the underlying cause and create a personalized treatment plan.
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
