Nosebleeds When Sleeping: Face-Down Normal?

Nosebleeds are a common occurrence, with about 60% of people experiencing them at some point in their lives. The phenomenon is known as epistaxis in medical terms and can occur at any time, including during sleep. While waking up to a bloody nose can be scary, it is rarely a serious issue. In this article, we will explore the causes and prevention methods for nosebleeds while sleeping.

Dry air

Nosebleeds caused by dry air are more likely to occur during the colder months, when the air is less humid and heaters are in use. This is especially true if the humidity in your home drops below 30%.

To prevent nosebleeds caused by dry air, you can:

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night, especially during winter.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to the inside of your nose with a cotton swab.
• Use a saline nasal spray before bed to keep your nasal passages moist.
• Apply water-soluble nasal gels or ointments to your nostrils with a cotton swab.
• Avoid blowing your nose too forcefully.

Allergies

If you are experiencing allergies, try using a saline nasal spray to help prevent nose bleeds. These sprays can be purchased over the counter and will help prevent your nostrils and nasal cavity from drying out.

Nosebleeds can also be caused by dry air, nose-picking, and upper respiratory infections.

Nose-picking

Risks of nose-picking

• Infection: Tiny cuts in the nasal tissue from fingernails can allow bacteria to enter and cause infections.
• Spreading illnesses: Mucus can contain bacteria and viruses, which can be spread by picking the nose.
• Nasal cavity damage: Frequent or repetitive nose-picking can lead to inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissue, narrowing the nostril openings over time.
• Nosebleeds: Scratching and digging in the nose can break delicate blood vessels and lead to bleeding.
• Sores: Nose-picking can cause nasal vestibulitis, an inflammation at the opening and front part of the nasal cavity, which can result in painful scabs and pimples.
• Septum damage: Regular nose-picking can damage the septum, the portion of bone and cartilage that divides the nostrils, and even cause a hole.

Strategies to stop nose-picking

• Moisturise the nasal passages: Use a saline nasal spray or saline nose drops two to three times a day in each nostril to keep the nasal passages moist.
• Increase humidity: Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air, especially during dry seasons or when using indoor heating.
• Apply nasal gels or ointments: Spread water-soluble nasal gels or ointments, such as Bacitracin, Vaseline, or Ayr Gel, in the nostrils with a cotton swab, being careful not to insert it more than 1/4 inch into the nose.
• Avoid forceful nose-blowing: Sneeze through an open mouth and always sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Avoid blowing your nose too hard.
• Address underlying causes: Identify and address any underlying issues that may be causing increased mucus production, such as dusty environments, allergens, smoke, or household allergens.
• Use a memory device: Wrap the end of your dominant picking finger in a bandage to remind yourself not to pick your nose.
• Find alternative stress relievers: If nose-picking is related to stress or anxiety, find alternative ways to manage it, such as listening to soothing music, practising deep breathing, or using a stress ball or handheld game.

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are a common occurrence, with about 60% of people experiencing them at some point in their lives. They can happen at night due to various factors, including:

• Dry air: Dry air is the most common cause of nosebleeds. Heating, low humidity, high altitudes, and indoor spaces can dry out the nasal membrane, making it more prone to bleeding when rubbed or picked.
• Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause inflammation and increased mucus production, leading to nose-picking or forceful nose-blowing, which can trigger nosebleeds.
• Infections: Sinus or upper respiratory infections can irritate the nasal lining and increase the need to blow the nose, increasing the risk of nosebleeds.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), corticosteroids applied inside the nose, and drugs taken through the nose, can have nosebleeds as a side effect.
• Environmental factors: Temperature, humidity, and pollution levels can affect the risk of nosebleeds. Cold temperatures, low humidity, and certain pollutants are associated with an increased incidence of nosebleeds.

Sinus infections

• Allergic rhinitis, which is swelling of the lining of the nose caused by allergens.
• Nasal polyps, or small growths inside the nose.
• A deviated septum, where the nasal cavity is crooked, often due to an injury.
• Recurring respiratory infections.
• Diseases that affect the immune system, such as cystic fibrosis and HIV.
• Fungi, including mold, mildew, and mushrooms, which can cause a fungal infection in the sinuses.
• Exposure to dust, pollen, smoke, and other environmental irritants.
• Structural problems within the sinuses, such as growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses.
• A weak immune system or the use of drugs that weaken the immune system.
• Stuffy nose or nasal congestion.
• Thick green or yellow mucus draining from the nose or down the throat (post-nasal drip).
• Pain, pressure, swelling, and tenderness around the nasal passages, which may worsen when bending over.
• Headaches.
• Ear pressure.
• Cough.
• Facial pain or pressure.
• Mucus dripping down the throat.

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and usually get better on their own without antibiotics. However, in some cases, bacterial infections may require treatment with antibiotics. To prevent sinus infections, it is recommended to stay healthy, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, and use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.

Blood thinners

Blood-thinning medications can cause nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis. Epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed, which occurs when there is a loss of blood from the tissue that lines the inside of your nose. While nosebleeds are usually minor and can be treated at home, if you are taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, or warfarin, and the bleeding won't stop, you should seek medical attention.

Nosebleeds can be worrying, but they are rarely serious. About 6 in 10 people will experience a nosebleed at some point in their lives. They can occur in one or both nostrils and are usually caused by dry air, allergies, or infections.

If you are experiencing nosebleeds at night, there are a few things you can do to prevent them:

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment to the inside of your nose using a cotton swab.
• Avoid nose-picking, as this can damage the delicate blood vessels in your nose.
• If you do pick your nose, keep your fingernails short and wash your hands before and after.
• Try not to blow your nose too forcefully.
• Use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moist.

If you are experiencing frequent nosebleeds or heavy bleeding, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions