Sleep-Time Nosebleeds: Revealing Their Root Causes

Sleep-Time Nosebleeds: Revealing Their Root Causes

Turning off the Red Alarm: Unsettling as it may seem, nighttime nosebleeds are more common than you think. Here's the lowdown on why they happen and how you can nip them in the bud.

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So, strap in as we uncover three common causes for those red alarms during sleep and what you can do to keep them at bay. Shedding some light, we've got Dr. Swathi Appachi, an ear, nose, and throat specialist, joining our no-nonsense, expert train.

Why Nighttime Nosebleeds Strike: The Top Suspects

While it may seem random, there's usually a simple explanation behind those nighttime nosebleeds, according to Dr. Appachi. Here are our top suspects:

Rummaging in the Treasure Chest: A.K.A. Nose-picking

There's no beating around the bush here: Everyone's a bit of a nosy Parker, digging into a nostril now and then to deal with a stubborn booger. Kids especially are prone to poking a finger up there, but grown-ups get in on the action too, sometimes even while snoozing.

The sensitive area you're poking, known as the septum, has five blood vessels screaming to be left alone. They're particularly sensitive to touch, so if you crack 'em, they bleed.

"Prod the blood vessels, and they'll crack and bleed," explains Dr. Appachi.

The Fix: Keep the nose moist to avoid those late-night nose-picking incidents.

Dried-up mucus (a.k.a. boogers) can be a hassle and hard to expel, often driving people to try manual removal. A little moisture may be all it takes to remedy the situation.

"Keep the inside of your nose moist, and you won't feel compelled to pick," she recommends. "Try over-the-counter, drug-free nasal moisturizers like saline spray to soften mucus and make it easier to clear with gentle blowing."

Desert in Dreamland: The Temptation of Dry Air

Low humidity in your home can feel like a kick in the nose.

"Septum blood vessels hate desert-like conditions," notes Dr. Appachi. "When the nasal mucosa dries out, the vessels are exposed and can crack, leading to nosebleeds."

This is more likely during the ZZZ's as you're breathing through your nose, which could explain waking up with a nosebleed.

Humidity levels below 30% in your home can leave you vulnerable to nosebleeds; these levels are common during seasons when you're running the heat or air conditioning. Certain climates also may have a lower level of moisture in the air.

Purchasing a hygrometer, a tool that measures humidity levels, can give you an idea where your home stands.

Signs your home may need some moisture include:

• Chapped or cracked lips.
• Dry, itchy skin.
• A sore, dry throat when waking up.
• Static electricity on fabrics and hair.
• Dry or itchy eyes.

The Fix: H2O, where you at? All you need is water! Running a vaporizer in your bedroom while you sleep can add some moisture to the air, helping to prevent nighttime nosebleeds. Also, consider investing in a home humidifier.

Pair your humidifier with a nasal moisturizer for double defense against nighttime nosebleeds. "Use saline spray, then some ointment before bedtime," she suggests.

Runny Nose Woes

A runny nose can cause irritation and dehydration, potentially leading to waking up to a surprise nosebleed. Your nose will suffer more if you're forcefully blowing your nose.

"Aggressive nose blowing can traumatize the septum, leading to bleeding," explains Dr. Appachi.

The Fix: Using saline spray during cold season can help soften nasal secretions, making the output less uncomfortable. "And when you have to blow your nose, try to be gentle," she advises.

Decongestant nasal sprays contain medication to help with stuffiness. Try to limit their use to no more than three days in a row, as they can cause a rebound effect and exacerbate congestion.

Chronic congestion may require a visit to your healthcare provider to determine the root cause and explore treatment options.

Stopping a Nosebleed at Night: When the Dam Breaks

In case preventive methods fall short, here's what to do when a nosebleed just won't quit.

"Lean forward and pinch the nostrils for at least five minutes without stopping," says Dr. Appachi. "Many people stop applying pressure after a minute or two before the blood has clotted. Resist the urge to let go too soon."

Apply pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, and most nosebleeds should stop.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Though nosebleeds are usually nothing to worry about and stop with a bit of care, there are instances when it's best to consult a healthcare professional:

• If you bleed for more than 30 minutes.
• If you lose a significant amount of blood.
• If you have a bleeding disorder.
• If you take blood thinners.

1. Maintaining overall health and wellness, including fitness and exercise, can help improve mental health and contribute to better skin care.
2. Science has shown that ensuring proper hydration and nutrition plays a crucial role in workplace-wellness, reducing the risk of health issues like fatigue and impaired cognitive function.
3. If you're experiencing frequent nighttime nosebleeds, it might be worth exploring therapies and treatments for mental health conditions, as stress and anxiety can dry out your nasal passages.
4. Applying a moisturizing cream or lotion as part of your nighttime skin-care routine could help prevent cracking of the nasal mucosa, potentially reducing the occurrence of nighttime nosebleeds.
5. For those with chronic congestion, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider can help identify the root cause and provide recommendations for effective nutrition strategies to alleviate symptoms.

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