Brazilian otolaryngologist Renata Mori shared with Terra the hidden source of persistent fatigue and sleeplessness. She points to improper nocturnal breathing, stemming from rhinitis, apnea, or a deviated septum.
According to the physician, during slumber, the body is supposed to decelerate its physiological functions, entering a restorative phase. However, when breathing is compromised, the brain interprets the lack of oxygen as a danger signal, thus shifting into a heightened state of “alertness.” Consequently, the individual cannot achieve deep sleep, resulting in a feeling of exhaustion upon waking, even after sleeping through the entire night.
Mori observes that the etiologies for these nighttime respiratory irregularities vary. A rather frequent contributor is a deviated nasal septum.
Allergic rhinitis is also commonly encountered, resulting in consequences like mucosal swelling and nasal congestion. Respiratory airway ventilation is further diminished in cases of chronic sinusitis, where the sinuses surrounding the nose become inflamed.
The doctor specifically highlights snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. This condition triggers brief pauses in breathing during sleep. Such incidents recur numerous times nightly, disrupting the sleep architecture and increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular complications. In children, and certain adults, breathing pathologies are triggered by enlarged adenoids and tonsils, which mechanically obstruct the airways.
Symptoms that may signal these issues include experiencing a dry mouth in the mornings, daytime drowsiness, frequent nocturnal awakenings, and restless sleep. Should these manifestations arise, the doctor advises consulting a specialist to commence treatment.
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