Nasal congestion every night: what to know

Lying down can make mucus feel harder to clear. Bedroom dust mites, mould, dry air, or a pet may repeatedly irritate the nose. Allergic rhinitis may cause sneezing and itch, while sinusitis can add facial pressure, altered smell, or coloured discharge. Loud snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping, morning headaches, or marked daytime sleepiness can point to obstructive sleep apnoea and merit review.

Notice whether symptoms change when you sleep elsewhere, change bedding, or remove a bedroom irritant. Wash bedding as advised for the fabric, keep the room free of smoke, and consider saline spray before bed. Drink normally and avoid relying on topical decongestant sprays beyond the product instructions, since rebound blockage can develop. A clinician or pharmacist can match allergy medication to your symptoms and existing medicines.

Book an appointment if the problem continues, affects sleep, or is mainly on one side. Seek prompt care for severe facial pain, swelling around the eye, high fever, repeated nosebleeds, or a severe headache. Get urgent help for pauses in breathing with blue lips, severe breathlessness, confusion, or collapse.

Could my bedroom be exposing me to an allergen? Should my nose be examined for another cause? Do my snoring or morning symptoms suggest obstructive sleep apnoea? Which treatment is safe for regular use?