South Bay Leader

• 60–75% of people with chronic sinusitis struggle with sleep apnea.
• There are simple steps that a sinusitis sufferer can take to improve their sleep.
• Studies have shown that patients who undergo minimally invasive sinus procedures find that their sleep quality improves drastically.

Dr. Farhad Sigari of Del Rey MD said that sinus issues can lead to a disruption in sleep patterns. That's why it's encouraged to seek treatment from a specialist before these issues become permanent.

"When someone doesn't sleep well due to congestion, snoring, or other sinus-related problems, it can lead to increased fatigue, irritability, and exacerbate mood disorders," Dr. Sigari told South Bay Leader. "Poor sleep can set off a negative cycle where individuals feel worse, which, in turn, can further disrupt their sleep patterns."

A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that people who suffer from chronic sinusitis are much more likely to experience poor-quality sleep. While 8–18% of the general population suffers from sleep disruption, the study found that 60–75% of people with chronic sinusitis experience sleep disruption. The study found that chronic sinusitis patients who experience sleep disruption are also more likely to experience depression, decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, fatigue throughout the day, and decreased memory and productivity.

Signs that your sleep quality could be better include taking more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night, regularly waking up more than once during the night, experiencing breakouts, having red or puffy eyes or dark circles under the eyes, finding it difficult to concentrate during the day, or feeling tired throughout the day. In addition to chronic health conditions, factors that can contribute to poor sleep quality include stress and anxiety, the absence of a regular sleep schedule, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. To improve sleep quality, the Sleep Foundation recommends implementing a consistent sleep schedule, not watching TV or looking at a phone or computer within 30 minutes of going to bed, not drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, and starting a relaxing bedtime routine. If sleep quality does not improve after implementing those changes, it could be time to talk to a doctor.

Many patients who choose to undergo a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic sinusitis find that their quality of sleep drastically improves, according to Atlanta ENT. A study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery found significant improvement in the patients' sleep quality and overall quality of life.