LAX Leader

• Chronic sinusitis can cause poor-quality sleep, which can lead to other negative health consequences.
• Other factors that could contribute to poor sleep are stress and anxiety, an irregular sleep schedule and consuming too much alcohol or caffeine.
• Poor sleep can cause bad moods, an inability to focus and depression.

Dr. Matt Hershcovitch of SoCal Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said people with chronic sinusitis are more likely to experience poor sleep quality, which can cause other problems like depression. 

"There's a very good study out of the Cleveland Clinic that shows a direct link between, not only depression, but anxiety as well, with people who have chronic sinusitis" he told LAX Leader. "Those who have developed chronic sinusitis are much more likely to develop depression and anxiety. This is because it is like a weight on top of you 24-7. You have headaches, you have congestion, you can't breathe, you can't sleep well at night. You have postnasal drip, you're constantly clearing your nose, you can't speak for long periods of time without having to blow your nose or clear your throat. This is very taxing to high-functioning individuals and can lead to mental problems that wouldn't otherwise occur, so treating the chronic sinusitis is important not only for quality of life, but mental health as well."

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

Signs that your sleep quality could be better can 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 a doctor.

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

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.