The Link Between a Deviated Septum and Sleep Apnea: What You Should Know

A good night’s sleep is crucial for maintaining your overall health and well-being. However, many people struggle with sleep-related issues and one of the most common sleep disorders is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition where your breathing temporarily stops or becomes very shallow during sleep, disrupting your rest and leaving you feeling fatigued throughout the day.

What is a Deviated Septum?

The septum is the cartilage and bone structure that divides your nasal passages into two sides. Ideally, the septum should be straight, allowing air to flow freely through both nostrils. However, in many people, the septum is slightly or significantly deviated to one side, a condition known as a deviated septum.

A deviated septum can be congenital (present from birth) or caused by trauma, such as an injury to the nose. While some individuals may experience no symptoms, others may have difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. This can lead to snoring, frequent sinus infections and even sleep disturbances.

How Does a Deviated Septum Contribute to Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively during sleep, leading to a temporary obstruction of your airway. While the primary cause of sleep apnea is often related to obesity, smoking, or other lifestyle factors, a deviated septum can exacerbate the condition.

When the nasal passages are blocked or narrowed due to a deviated septum, it becomes more difficult to breathe through your nose, especially when lying down. As a result, individuals with a deviated septum may rely more on mouth breathing, which can lead to airway collapse during sleep, increasing the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.

In some cases, a deviated septum can contribute to the collapse of the airway in people who are already at risk for sleep apnea. This may result in louder snoring, disrupted sleep and frequent wake-ups throughout the night. Over time, this can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and an increased risk of other health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea and a Deviated Septum

If you have a deviated septum and suspect you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to recognise the symptoms. These can include:

Loud Snoring: A frequent and disruptive sound during sleep, often caused by airflow obstruction.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep: Sudden awakenings due to breathing difficulties.
Daytime Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or drowsy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep.
Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, memory issues, or irritability due to interrupted sleep.
Mouth Breathing: Consistent reliance on mouth breathing, particularly during sleep.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis. In many cases, the symptoms of sleep apnea can be alleviated with treatment for a deviated septum.

How a Nose Surgeon Can Help

If you have been diagnosed with a deviated septum and suspect it is contributing to your sleep apnea, the good news is that surgical intervention can provide relief. A septoplasty is a procedure performed by a skilled nose surgeon to straighten the septum and open up the nasal passages. This procedure can help restore proper airflow, making it easier to breathe through the nose and reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.

At MyNose in London, we specialise in nasal surgeries such as septoplasty to help patients achieve better sleep and improved overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of a deviated septum or sleep apnea, we offer consultations and personalised treatment plans to address your concerns.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

In addition to correcting a deviated septum, several other treatments can help manage sleep apnea:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): A CPAP machine uses a mask to provide a constant stream of air, keeping your airway open while you sleep.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bedtime and sleeping on your side may help reduce sleep apnea symptoms.
Oral Appliances: In some cases, a dental device can be used to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open.
Surgery: For severe cases of sleep apnea, surgery may be required to remove excess tissue or reposition the jaw to prevent airway collapse.

Conclusion

A deviated septum can be a contributing factor to sleep apnea, making it difficult to breathe through your nose at night and leading to more severe symptoms of the disorder. If you are struggling with these conditions, consulting with an experienced nose surgeon can be the first step toward better sleep and improved health. At My Nose, we are dedicated to helping you breathe easier and sleep better.

If you are located in London and suspect you have a deviated septum or sleep apnea, book a consultation with our expert team at My Nose. Our specialists will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.