Managing Nighttime Congestion for Better Sleep Posted on September 26, 2025 by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists A good night’s rest doesn’t just give you energy for the next day. It improves your memory, supports better emotional regulation, strengthens the immune response, reduces the risks of chronic conditions and more. One thing that can get in the way of your eight hours is persistent congestion. When your nose is congested, it can disrupt your breathing, cause you to snore and be uncomfortable enough to keep you awake at night. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can manage nighttime congestion for a restful evening. Elevate Your Head Keeping your head elevated helps drain mucus from your sinuses. Prop your head up on a couple of pillows or raise one half of the bed with books or other firm materials while you sleep. Apply a Warm Compress The wet heat from a warm compress will promote mucus drainage. You can make a warm compress by microwaving a damp towel in ten-second intervals until it gets to your desired temperature. You can also purchase specially made hydrating compresses from local Goodyear drugstores. Breathe in Some Steam Breathing in steam hydrates the sinuses, reduces inflammation and encourages decongestion. Fill a bowl with hot water and sit over it with a towel draped over your head. Breathe in the steam as it rises. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils from Essante Organics can make the steam extra refreshing. Drink Plenty of Fluids Drinking fluids thins the mucus in your sinuses, allowing it to drain more easily. Make sure you drink at least eight cups of water throughout the day. Try not to drink too much right before bed, as frequent urination can also keep you awake. Take Medication If a cold, flu or fall allergies are behind your congestion, consider taking medication to manage the underlying cause. Decongestants, antihistamines and cold and flu medications are great options. Remember not to use decongestants for more than a few days, as prolonged use can cause rebound congestion. Consider a Balloon Sinuplasty If your congestion is related to recurring or long-lasting sinus infections, your sinus specialist may recommend a Balloon Sinuplasty. This minimally invasive procedure uses a small balloon guided through the nostrils to gently expand the sinus cavity and reduce the inflammation-causing congestion. Schedule an ENT Appointment If you’re battling persistent congestion that keeps you up at night, contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. We can identify the cause of your stuffy nose and find the perfect treatment path. The Connection Between Blowing Your Nose and Ear PainUnderstanding Deviated Septum Surgery: What to ExpectHow Are ENT Disorders Diagnosed?