[Health] Curious question

[Krmilkman]

New here. Thanks in advance any response’s.

Recently found out that I have a mild deviated septum and some nights serious congestion in both nostrils. Could these be the reason behind my waking up constantly throughout the night? When I wake from these episodes I feel very weird I’m not even sure how to explain to it. Once I wore a simple oximeter and when I would wake it would read anywhere from 91-96 mostly starting at 93. I understand that’s probably not a proper way to do it. I also get full on congestion during the day sometimes too. These including the night congestion are blocked not runny.

My main concern does this sound like sleep apnea or is it sleep apnea caused from the deviated septum and nasal blockage and if so what would be the correct route to take?

I’ll be honest I a total health freak and have anxiety/panic attacks from any health related issues. So this is really bothering me. And have many restless nights.

Thanks for reading, and appreciate any feedback.

[OpalRose]

I suggest you see an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist). This way, he/she can evaluate you for any obstruction or narrowing of your airway passages.

Ask to be referred for a sleep study.

[mesenteria]

Mild septal deviation should not be a concern to anyone, even those suffering apnea. What are more concerning are restrictions of flow due to head and neck positions and the very congestion you mention.  Often, nighttime congestion can be traced to allergic response.  If your pillow contains material to which you are sensitive, not least of which would be the choice of stuffing or its 'contents', meaning mites and the tiny skin particles you shed every night that they feed on, you might need to replace your pillow.  I can't speak for anyone else, but my wife and I replace our pillows every 18 months to two years.  Mold in the drywall, something embedded in the machine's filter, some of which gets through, might also be contributing to congestion.  Even allergens that affect you might be present in the room air.  Carpeting, dusty flooring, they all add up.  Remember that as we age we tend to acquire more immune failure AND allergies.  Not a hard and fast rule for everyone, but it is known in the medical field.

My father and I have had night-time congestion at times throughout both our lives.  It comes and goes.  When mine gets repetitive and intrusive, I clean the room extra well, change pillows, change the filter, and get a checkup to ensure bodily functions.  For example, heart failure leads to swollen ankles and swelled soft tissues during rest.

I don't intend to cause you alarm, but these things all need to be ruled out.  The reason is that you need the best quality of sleep your mind and motivation can afford you.