Waking up to a nosebleed can be scary, especially when it happens in the middle of the night. Why does this occur when you’re fast asleep? you might wonder, as understanding why your nose bleeds at night can help you prevent it from happening again and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed.
A deviated septum, a crooked nose bone and cartilage, can cause headaches with nosebleeds, according to Medical News Today. It is mentioned that migraine may be related to nosebleeds, with studies showing more nosebleeds in migraine patients. “A small-scale study from 2008 found that adults with migraine experienced significantly more nosebleeds than those without migraine. The study also suggested that experiencing a nosebleed may indicate that a migraine episode is starting.”
The Cleveland Clinic states that nose-picking can cause bloody noses due to dry mucus in the septum, which is sensitive to touch. Ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr Swathi Appachi suggests using drug-free nasal moisturisers to soften mucus and make it easier to clear with gentle blowing.
The clinic further claims that low humidity levels in the house can also cause nosebleeds, especially during the winter months when heat or air conditioning is running. “The septum’s blood vessels are very sensitive to dryness. When the mucus membranes in the nose dry out, the blood vessels are exposed. They can crack, causing bleeding.”
According to the Sleep Foundation, other causes include seasonal allergies, rhinitis, and blowing the nose too hard. It is mentioned that some people experience nosebleeds as a side effect of medication or medical treatments, such as aspirin, blood thinners, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), some antibiotics, corticosteroids, and drugs taken through the nose.
