Richmond 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.

Multiple doctors have attributed poor sleep to bad moods, lack of focus and even depression, but treating the root cause -- such as stress, an ever-changing sleep schedule, too much alcohol or caffeine, or chronic sinus issues -- could make all the difference.

Lauren Zuk, a patient at Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, said chronic sinusitis negatively impacted her sleep quality, but undergoing treatment at the sinus center resolved her symptoms. 

“I felt pressure on my face all the time. I had horrible headaches. I could sleep 11 hours and still not feel refreshed," Zuk told the Richmond Leader. “I felt air rushing into places where it hadn’t been before [after treatment]. After four weeks, I was breathing like I hadn’t in years.”

The Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy published a study that linked an increased likelihood of experiencing poor sleep to chronic sinusitis. The study pointed out that 8 to 18% of the general public suffers from some sleep disruption, but 60 to 75% of people with chronic sinus issues experience sleep problems.

The study also found that those patients with sleep disruption caused by sinus issues were more likely to experience depression, a decreased quality of life, difficulty concentrating, tiredness throughout the day, memory issues and decreased productivity.

There are several noticeable signs that could mean you aren't getting enough sleep, including how long it takes to fall asleep, routinely waking up more than once at night, acne, dark circles under the eyes, lack of concentration and being tired during the day. The Sleep Foundation offered a few tips for better sleep, including cutting out caffeine and alcohol before bed, having a consistent sleep schedule, eliminating electronics with blue lights a half-hour before bedtime and having a relaxing bedtime routine. If following those steps still doesn't improve your sleep, it could be time to consult a doctor. 

According to Atlanta ENT Sinus & Allergy Associates, a study of more than 500 patients who underwent sinus surgery experienced a significant improvement in the quality of their sleep and in their quality of life overall. 

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