Breathing may seem automatic, but how you breathe—through your nose or mouth—can have a significant impact on sleep, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Chronic nasal obstructions, such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, or persistent congestion, can lead to poor sleep quality, snoring, and even contribute to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition affecting more than 25 million Americans. Studies show that up to 80% of individuals have some degree of septal deviation, often without realizing how much it affects their daily life.
“When nasal airflow is restricted, the body compensates with increased mouth breathing, which can disrupt oxygen intake, reduce sleep quality, and even impact facial development in children,” says Dr. Sam DeVictor, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in ENT at DeVictor Facial Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale.
Your nose isn’t just an airway—it’s a built-in filtration system. It warms, humidifies, and purifies the air before it reaches your lungs, optimizing oxygenation and protecting against allergens and pollutants. When nasal obstructions force mouth breathing, it can:
- Disrupt sleep quality – Nasal congestion increases the likelihood of moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing by 1.8 times, making it harder to enter deep, restorative sleep.
- Reduce energy and focus – Poor oxygen intake can lead to daytime fatigue, memory issues, and decreased concentration.
- Exacerbate mental health conditions – Studies link chronic nasal obstruction to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and migraines.
For those who struggle with persistent breathing issues, Dr. DeVictor says pinpointing the cause is the first step toward improvement.
- Deviated Septum – The cartilage dividing the nostrils is off-center, blocking airflow. Up to 80% of people have some degree of septal deviation.
- Solution: Septoplasty—a procedure to straighten the septum and improve breathing.
- Nasal Valve Collapse – Weak nasal sidewalls can cause airway obstruction, making breathing difficult.
- Solution: Nasal valve repair—reinforces nasal structures, restoring airflow and stability.
- Chronic Sinus Congestion – Persistent inflammation, often due to allergies or environmental triggers.
- Solution: A combination of corticosteroids, allergy management, and, in some cases, sinus surgery may help.
Research shows that people with nasal obstructions are 4.39 times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Correcting nasal airflow can significantly improve deep sleep cycles, energy levels, and even athletic performance.
“A successful rhinoplasty isn’t about creating a ‘plastic’ nose—it’s about reshaping in a way that complements a person’s natural features while improving airflow. Breathing well should always be the priority.”
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