The Best Sleeping Postures for Postnasal Drip

You normally don't notice the mucus you produce each day (almost a quart). However, if you have postnasal drip, you're probably painfully aware of secretions continuously running down your throat. The sensation causes coughing, spitting, throat clearing, hacking, and mucus expulsion 3. Allergies, infection, cervical spinal issues, and even gastric reflux (stomach contents entering the throat) cause postnasal drip 3. Getting enough rest is one treatment for sinus issues 2. But sleeping with this annoying condition is difficult.

Prop up the Bed

Mothernature.com suggests propping up the head of your bed to get the best sleep with postnasal drip. The site suggests putting books or large bricks under the bottom of the headboard 3. Once the headboard is propped up, sleep on your back 2. Side and stomach sleeping will compromise your neck. If postnasal drip is a recurring issue, check into purchasing an adjustable bed that allows you to elevate your head and/or feet.

Prop up Your Head

If you cannot easily prop up your headboard, use multiple pillows behind your head. Using two or three will help mucus drain down the throat when you sleep on your back. According to Rtmagazine.com, elevating your head can alleviate sinus issues, as lying completely flat creates larger blood vessels in the nose and stimulates mouth breathing. When selecting pillows, find ones that are hypoallergenic, because an allergic reaction can worsen postnasal drip.

Stomach Sleeping

If you must sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under your abdomen rather than beneath your head, which will keep your neck in better alignment. Cervical issues, such as a herniated disk, can cause or intensify postnasal drip. Putting a pillow under your abdomen also keeps the body from being flat and promoting nasal inflammation 3. If it is difficult to sleep with no head pillow, find a cervical or donut pillow for stomach sleepers 2.