You feel worn-out, no matter how much sleep you get. You’re sluggish throughout the day. On top of that, every little thing seems to bug you. So what’s going on? In some cases — surprisingly — it might be sinus infection fatigue.
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, have long been associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, a health condition in which no amount of sleep seems to keep you your normal, alert self. (It’s important to note that a sinus infection doesn’t cause chronic fatigue syndrome, but the link is there.)
Sometimes, the fatigue that comes with a sinus infection can be extreme, and other sinusitis symptoms (such as facial pain, congestion and coughing) can lead to trouble sleeping, making the situation worse.
If you know you’re dealing with a sinus infection — or if you just can’t shake that tired feeling — get the advice of a doctor. There are certain home remedies, medicines and (for only the extreme cases) surgical options that could offer help.
In the meantime, if you’re trying to get some much-needed shuteye while dealing with a sinus infection, here are some tips.
- Sleep on your back, propped up with a few pillows. Elevating your head and neck can help your sinuses drain easier.
- Use a humidifier. Dry air can worsen sinusitis symptoms, so keep those moisture levels up.
- Try herbal teas. Caffeine-free teas like chamomile, eucalyptus and lavender can soothe you and your sinuses. Plus, inhaling a bit of steam from your cup can help loosen your nasal passages.
Resist technology. It can be tempting to jump on your phone, tablet or laptop when your symptoms are preventing you from sleeping, but the light can disrupt your system and keep you up longer.
We know how frustrating it is to feel exhausted when you’re just trying to get better. The solutions are different for every patient, so we’d be happy to help you customize a plan to get you healthy as soon as possible.