My Nose Is Always Blocked on One Side at Night: Causes and Tips

By Membrane Solutions May 13, 2023

There's nothing quite as bothersome as lying in bed, yearning for a good night's sleep, only to find yourself contending with the vexing dilemma of one-sided nasal congestion. Unilateral nasal congestion is when I feel "my right nostril is always blocked" or "my left nostril is always blocked". If you've ever experienced this frustrating and uncomfortable condition, you're well aware of how it can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling groggy and fatigued the next day. In this article, we will delve into the causes of my nose is always blocked on one side at night, explore effective tips to alleviate the discomfort, and discuss strategies for better sleep despite one side of nose always clogged. By delving into its causes and offering practical tips for relief, we aim to empower you to overcome this nocturnal obstruction and reclaim peaceful slumber.

Why Is Only One Nostril Blocked?

The most annoying thing is that it is not just a blocked nose, but a completely blocked nostril! You can't feel it breathing air at all, and this feeling is suffocating.

The reason for this is that the blood flow and airflow in the nasal cavity are not static, but change periodically. There are three turbinates on each side of our nasal cavity. When the blood vessels in one nasal cavity are congested and the mucosa swells, the blood vessels in the other nasal cavity are decongested and the mucosa returns to normal. This phenomenon is also called nasal circulation.

Benjamin S. Bleier, MD, a sinus specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, explained the nasal circulation like this: "Under normal circumstances, this does not cause the airway to become too narrow, so you don't notice it, but if you add swelling and thick mucus caused by disease, when one side swells, you will feel blocked."

Of course, under normal circumstances, you will not feel this process, so your unilateral nostril blockage may also be caused by other reasons.

Causes of One-sided Nasal Congestion at Night

One-sided nasal congestion at night can have various underlying causes, ranging from temporary irritants to chronic conditions. Identifying the root cause of your nasal congestion is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment approach. Here are some common causes of one side of nose always blocked at night:

1. Nasal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent cause of always one nostril blocked. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to inflammation and congestion in one nostril.

2. Sinus Infections

Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation of the sinuses, can cause one-sided nasal congestion at night. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with mucus due to infection or inflammation, it can result in localized congestion, leading to discomfort and difficulty breathing through one nostril.

3. Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that can develop in the nasal passages or sinuses. When they grow large enough, they can obstruct one nostril, causing recurring or long-term one-sided nasal congestion.

4. Deviated Septum

A deviated septum is generally an abnormality of the bone structure. When sleeping, especially when lying on your side, there will be alternating poor ventilation.

5. Lumps in the nasopharynx

For example, residual glands may block both sides or one side. However, if there is a mass in the back of the nasal cavity, pathological examination is required.

How One-sided Nasal Congestion Affects Sleep?

One nostril constantly blocked can significantly impact the quality of your sleep and leave you feeling restless throughout the night. When one nostril is persistently blocked, it disrupts the normal airflow in your nasal passages, leading to a range of sleep-related difficulties. Here are a few ways in which one side of nose always blocked affects sleep:

1. Snoring: One-sided nasal congestion can contribute to snoring as the blocked nasal passage forces air to flow through a narrower opening. This creates turbulence, resulting in the characteristic snoring sound.

2. Sleep Apnea: In some cases, one side of nose clogged may contribute to or exacerbate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). When the nasal passage is blocked, it increases the effort required to breathe, potentially leading to more frequent breathing pauses and interrupted sleep.

3. Mouth Breathing: To compensate for the blocked nostril, many individuals with one side of nose always clogged tend to breathe through their mouths during sleep. Mouth breathing can result in a dry mouth and throat, increasing the risk of snoring, sleep apnea, and even worsened nasal congestion.

4. Sleep Disruption: The discomfort caused by one-sided nasal congestion can lead to frequent awakenings, tossing and turning, and an overall restless night. Consequently, you may wake up feeling fatigued and unrefreshed.

Understanding the ways in which my nose is always blocked on one side at night affects sleep highlights the importance of finding effective relief and improving the quality of your rest. In the following sections, we will explore the potential causes behind this bothersome condition and offer tips for finding relief.

Tips for Relief of One-sided Nasal Congestion at Night

When dealing with the frustration of one-sided nasal congestion at night, finding effective relief becomes a top priority. To help us address the problem of my nose is always blocked on one side at night, here are several tips that focus specifically on relieving the congestion itself:

1. Elevate Your Head

To alleviate congestion at night, try sleeping with your head slightly elevated. Using pillows designed for optimal height and support can help reduce the accumulation of mucus in your nasal passages, minimizing nighttime congestion and promoting better breathing.

2. Investing in an Air Purifier

Using an air purifier, specially designed with high-efficiency particle filtration, can directly relieve one-sided nasal congestion at night and improve breathing. HEPA air purifiers effectively capture microscopic particles, including allergens, dust, and irritants, reducing their presence in the air and alleviating one-sided nasal congestion. The targeted removal of allergens and the added capability to address odors and chemicals further enhance the purifier's ability to improve nasal airflow. And continuous operation and suitable coverage of air purifiers ensure ongoing relief of one nostril always clogged.

You can click Do Air Purifiers Help Sinus Problems? or Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Pollen and Help with Pollen Allergies? to learn more about air purifiers for nasal congestion and allergies.

3. Nasal Irrigation

One of the most effective methods for clearing a stuffy nose is nasal irrigation. You can rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution using a neti pot, squeeze bottle, or nasal irrigation system specifically designed for this purpose. By gently flushing a blocked nostril, you can effectively remove excess mucus and irritants, providing temporary relief and improved airflow.

4. Steam Inhalation and Warm Compresses

Inhaling steam is a soothing approach to opening up congested nasal passages. Boil water, pour it into a bowl, and place a clean towel in the warm water. After wringing out the excess, gently place the warm towel on the blocked nostril for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can place a towel over your head and breathe deeply through your nose. The warmth from the steam helps reduce inflammation and enhances circulation, relieving congestion and promoting easier breathing.

5. Humidify the Air

Dry air can exacerbate nasal congestion and make it harder to sleep. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air. This helps keep your nasal passages lubricated and may reduce congestion, allowing for more comfortable breathing and better sleep.

6. Nasal Strips

Consider using adhesive nasal strips specifically designed to open up nasal passages. These strips adhere to the outside of your nose and gently pull the nostrils apart, improving airflow. They are particularly useful in addressing structural causes like a deviated septum, which contribute to one-sided nasal congestion.

7. Decongestant Sprays

Over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays can offer temporary relief by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing inflammation, and opening up the airways. However, it's important to use them sparingly and strictly follow the instructions to avoid dependency and rebound congestion.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. This can help in thinning the mucus, reducing congestion, promoting better nasal airflow, and further solving the problem that my nose is always blocked on one side at night.

By incorporating these practical tips into your nightly routine, you can proactively manage one-sided nasal congestion, experience relief, and enjoy more restful nights of sleep.

Tips for Better Sleep Despite One-Sided Nasal Congestion

Here are also some ways we can improve sleep quality when we feel my nose is always blocked on one side at night. But these suggestions, aimed at improving sleep quality when one side of the nose is stuffy, may not directly address the underlying cause:

1. Adjust Sleep Position

Experiment with different sleeping positions to find the one that offers the most relief. Sleeping on your side with the congested nostril facing up can help promote better airflow. You can also try elevating your head using additional pillows to reduce nasal congestion and facilitate easier breathing during sleep.

2. Maintain a Clean Sleeping Environment

Keep your bedroom clean and free from allergens that can worsen nasal congestion and disrupt sleep. Regularly dust surfaces, wash bedding in hot water and keep pets out of the bedroom if you're allergic to them. This minimizes potential triggers and creates a more conducive sleep environment.

3. Relaxation Techniques

Engage in relaxation techniques before bedtime to promote better sleep despite nasal congestion. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga stretches, or taking a warm bath can help relax your body and mind, easing any discomfort caused by congestion and facilitating more restful sleep.

When to Seek Medical Help If My One Nostril Is Always Stuffy?

You might think that “my nose is always blocked on one side at night is a common and temporary issue”, but there are instances where seeking medical help is recommended. Here are some situations in which you should consider consulting a healthcare professional:

1. Persistent or Prolonged Congestion: If you experience persistent or prolonged one-sided nasal congestion that lasts for several weeks or longer, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

2. Severe Discomfort or Pain: If you experience severe discomfort, pain, or pressure in the congested nostril or surrounding areas, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.

3. Impaired Breathing: If your one-sided nasal congestion significantly impairs your ability to breathe through the affected nostril, it may be necessary to seek medical help.

4. Recurrent Infections: Frequent infections, such as recurring sinus infections or nasal congestion accompanied by fever, may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical assessment.

5. Nasal Injury or Structural Abnormalities: If you have experienced a recent nasal injury or suspect a structural abnormality, that may be contributing to the one-sided congestion, it is advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

It's important to remember that a healthcare professional is best equipped to evaluate your specific situation, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.

In conclusion, we have resolved the issue related to my nose is always blocked on one side at night. We explored causes of one nostril constantly blocked such as allergies, sinusitis, and structural abnormalities, and tips to alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep such as elevating your head, nasal irrigation, steam inhalation, nasal strips, and decongestant sprays. Remember, if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, severe pain, impaired breathing, or recurrent infections, seeking medical help is paramount. Everyone is different, so it may take some experimentation to find the strategies that work best for you, please prioritize your sleep and respiratory health, and take proactive steps towards achieving a more restful night's sleep, free from one-sided nasal congestion.