Colin Snow
Sneezing is an involuntary reflex that expels air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, usually caused by irritants in the nose and throat. While it is possible to sneeze while sleeping, it is unlikely due to the sleep cycle. During REM sleep, the body experiences muscle atonia, where muscles are relaxed and neurotransmitters are shut down, preventing the triggering of a sneeze. While it is possible to sneeze during NREM sleep, strong stimuli are required, and this typically leads to waking up to sneeze.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of sneezing during sleep | Only possible during the early, light stage of the sleep cycle (NREM) |
| Reason for the above | During REM sleep, the body experiences muscle atonia (muscles are relaxed and neurotransmitters are shut down), preventing the triggering of a sneeze |
| Other reasons | The body suppresses sneezing during sleep, similar to how it suppresses hunger, thirst, and the need to urinate or defecate |
| The level of consciousness during sleep is not high enough to recognise a stimulus or the ability to sneeze | |
| The chances of strong external stimuli entering the nasal passage during sleep are low, as the environment remains stable |
What You'll Learn
Sneezing is an involuntary reflex
When particles enter your nostrils, your nasal passageways may become itchy and irritated. As a natural reflex, nerve signals are sent to your brain stem to tell your nose to get rid of invading particles before they reach your lungs and make you sick. The purpose of sneezing is to expel irritants from the nose.
During sleep, the body cycles through two types of sleep: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In the first three stages of sleep (NREM), your brain registers less and less input from your senses, and your muscles become more and more relaxed. Then, during REM sleep, your muscles can't move at all. As the night goes on, you spend more time in REM sleep.
During REM sleep, the body shuts down, and the muscles enter paralysis. As the muscles are not actively functioning, it becomes impossible to sneeze. Only the eye and breathing muscles remain operational during this stage.
Research suggests it is not possible to sneeze during sleep. However, there are different stages to sleep, during which the mental state varies between levels of consciousness and the physical body experiences changes. If you feel like you've sneezed in your sleep, it's likely because you haven't yet fallen into a deep sleep, or you're already starting to wake up naturally.
The Midnight Mystery: Don't Sleep, Dorian
You may want to see also
Sneezing is unlikely during REM sleep
Sneezing is a reflex triggered by irritation of the nasal lining or, less commonly, the lining of the lungs. It is a way for the nose to get rid of germs and clear out the nasal passages. However, it is unlikely to occur during the REM stage of sleep as the muscles enter paralysis.
During REM sleep, the body shuts down, and the muscles become temporarily paralysed. As the muscles are not actively functioning, it becomes impossible to sneeze. Only the eye and breathing muscles remain operational during this stage.
The process that causes a person to sneeze shuts down while sleeping. Sleep causes paralysis of the reflex muscle contraction, meaning the relevant muscles become inactive. This is a safety mechanism to prevent the body from acting out dreams and to ensure the body can reach deeper stages of sleep.
While it is possible to sneeze during the light stages of sleep, it is more likely that the person is already starting to wake up. In this case, the sneeze may help to wake the person up fully.
Children are more likely to sneeze during their sleep than adults as their sleep cycles are still maturing.
Bullfrogs' Unique Sleep Patterns: Unraveling Their Secrets
You may want to see also
Sneezing during NREM sleep is possible
While it is generally believed that a person cannot sneeze during sleep, it is possible to do so during the lighter stages of sleep. Sleep consists of four stages, with the first three being non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and the fourth being rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. During the NREM stages, the sleeper transitions from being awake to light sleep, and then to deep sleep. In the REM stage, the sleeper's muscles become temporarily paralysed, making it impossible to sneeze.
During the first three stages of sleep, the brain registers less and less input from the senses, and the muscles become more and more relaxed. However, it may be possible for a person to sneeze without waking up during the very light sleep of the first NREM stage. Alternatively, sneezing may require a very brief or partial awakening. There is currently not enough evidence to rule out either of these possibilities.
If you feel like you are sneezing in your sleep, it is likely that you are entering the early stage of sleep, or the transition between sleeping and waking. It is also possible that you are already starting to wake up naturally.
Preventing sneezing during sleep
If sneezing during sleep becomes a problem, there are several steps you can take to reduce your exposure to irritants:
- Use air filters, especially in the area where you sleep.
- Change your furnace filters.
- Wash your sheets in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
- Limit exposure to pet hair.
- Take over-the-counter allergy medications such as antihistamines.
- Stay well-hydrated by keeping water by your bedside.
- Use a humidifier to prevent irritation of your nasal passages.
Gluten-Free Diets: A Recipe for Better Sleep?
You may want to see also
The sleep environment affects the chances of sneezing
The sleep environment plays a crucial role in influencing the likelihood of sneezing. Here are some ways in which the sleep environment can impact the chances of sneezing:
Sleep Stages and Muscle Paralysis: During sleep, our bodies cycle through different stages, including non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In the REM sleep stage, many muscles in the body undergo temporary paralysis, known as atonia. This paralysis prevents us from acting out our dreams and makes it difficult or impossible to sneeze. As the night progresses, we spend more time in the REM stage, reducing the likelihood of sneezing.
Reduced Sensory Input: As we progress through the sleep stages, our brains register less sensory input from our senses. This decreased sensory input, particularly from the nasal passages, can hinder the triggering of a sneeze.
Change in Neurotransmitter Function: During sleep, there are alterations in the way neurotransmitters communicate between nerve cells. This change in function can modify the operation of certain reflexes, including the sneeze reflex, as they are not essential for survival during sleep.
External Stimuli: In the lighter stages of sleep, we remain susceptible to external stimuli, such as allergens, loud noises, and irritants like dust or pet hair. These stimuli can trigger sneezing before we fall into a deeper sleep.
Air Quality: Poor air quality in the bedroom, such as dust, mould, or animal hair, can increase the likelihood of sneezing. Maintaining a clean and well-ventilated sleep environment can reduce exposure to allergens and irritants, decreasing the chances of sneezing.
Hydration and Humidity: Dry air can be a trigger for sneezing. Keeping hydrated and using a humidifier in the bedroom can help prevent nasal passage irritation and reduce the likelihood of sneezing.
Subway Slumber and the Hentai Surprise
You may want to see also
Sneezing is suppressed during sleep
Sneezing is an involuntary reflex that helps the body get rid of allergens and irritants in the nasal passages. While it is possible to sneeze at night, it is not possible to sneeze during sleep.
During sleep, the body cycles through four stages, with varying levels of connection between nerve pathways. In the first three stages, the brain registers less and less input from the senses, and the muscles become more and more relaxed. In the final stage, known as REM sleep, the muscles become temporarily paralysed, making it impossible to sneeze.
The reason the body shuts down during REM sleep is thought to be a safety mechanism. This paralysis prevents the body from acting out dreams and ensures the body can reach deeper stages of sleep.
While sneezing is suppressed during sleep, it is possible to stifle a sneeze while awake. However, doing so can be dangerous and is generally not recommended. Sneezing serves an important function in the body, and stifling it can cause a build-up of pressure that may even lead to burst blood vessels.
Anger Management: A Restful Night's Secret Weapon
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
During sleep, the body shuts down many muscular systems and becomes less responsive to outside stimuli. In the REM sleep stage, in particular, the body's voluntary muscles relax, so we don't act out our dreams, which also prevents sneezing.
Sneezing is an involuntary reflex that requires input from your senses and muscles. While it is believed that sneezing cannot occur during REM sleep, it may be possible during the lighter stages of sleep.
When the inside of your nose gets irritated, chemicals are released that send a message to your nerve cells. Your nerve cells then send signals to the muscles of your chest, throat, and abdomen, creating a sneeze and helping to clear out your nasal passages.
Some common triggers for sneezing include allergens, such as dust, mold, and animal hair, as well as irritants like smoke and pollution. Illnesses that inflame the nasal passages, such as the common cold, the flu, or a respiratory bug, can also cause sneezing.
If sneezing is impacting your sleep, you can try reducing your exposure to irritants and allergens. This may include using air filters, changing your furnace filters, washing your bedding regularly, and limiting your exposure to pet hair. Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, can also help suppress your body's reaction to allergens.
