Connection Between Sinusitis and Sleep Apnea

By C. Clark

Introduction

In my first Writing to Lose Weight article, I mentioned waking up with sinus headaches — not every morning, but often enough to make me want to figure out what’s going on. These headaches started when I entered perimenopause and usually showed up around my period. I assumed it was just PMS. Before perimenopause, I mostly just got moody — no cramps, no headaches, none of that.

Could it be that my body handled things differently because I was thinner back then? During perimenopause, I started gaining weight. Now I wonder — could that added weight be connected to the sinus headaches? It’s something worth looking into.

I’m now in menopause/post-menopause, but my body still feels like it's going through hormonal fluctuations. Could that be why the headaches haven’t stopped? I've also been struggling to lose weight — maybe that’s playing a role too.

Where It Started

When we lived in Kansas City, I loved winter — playing outside in the snow for hours. But once I got back inside, the sudden warmth would trigger sinus pain. That’s the first time I noticed I was sensitive in that way. It didn’t happen often, but I remembered it.

Most of my life, I’ve been thin — sometimes unhealthily thin — or average-sized. This recent weight gain is new for me, and I’m still figuring out how to deal with it. These sinus headaches are no joke, and honestly, this is where my latest wellness journey begins.

Up until writing this article, I thought the headaches were just allergy-related. And yes, I do have allergies — but now I’m wondering if sleep apnea could be playing a part. I never considered it before, but maybe I should.

Sinusitis, Weight Gain & Sleep Apnea

According to Gemini (Google’s AI), sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes and may happen multiple times an hour. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway collapses or becomes blocked during sleep.

Note: If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other health problems. Factors such as obesity, large tonsils, or hormone changes can narrow the airway.

The Mayo Clinic says that in some cases, sleep apnea symptoms can improve with weight loss — and that regular exercise can help, even without losing weight.

Weight Gain and Sinus Issues

Menopause brought unexpected weight gain, especially in my abdomen. I’ve read that being overweight significantly increases the risk of developing OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). Extra weight around the neck and midsection can physically restrict airflow during sleep.

There’s also a known connection between excess weight and sinus problems. Studies show that individuals with obesity are more likely to experience chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), a condition involving long-term inflammation of the sinuses. CRS can cause facial pain, nasal congestion, and drainage.

Obesity can weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections — including those in the sinuses. The good news? Studies suggest that sustained weight loss can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of CRS.

Understanding Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed — often due to allergies or infection. This inflammation can block the nasal passages and lead to:

• Facial pain or pressure

• Congestion or a stuffy nose

• Postnasal drip

• Discolored mucus

• Reduced sense of smell

Sinusitis and sleep apnea may feed off each other. Blocked sinuses can worsen sleep-disordered breathing, and sleep apnea can, in turn, affect airflow and drainage in the sinuses. Managing sinus issues — through things like nasal irrigation, decongestants, or even surgery — can improve sleep and potentially reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

How to Spot Sleep Apnea (Even If You Live Alone)

Although I suspect I might have sleep apnea, I haven’t been officially diagnosed — yet. I plan to get it checked once I start working again. In the meantime, I’ve been researching the signs.

According to Gemini, common signs include:

• Waking up gasping for air

• Dry mouth or sore throat

• Morning headaches

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Teeth grinding or jaw pain

I’ve been a teeth grinder my whole life, so that symptom alone might not mean much. But these morning headaches are new — and they’ve definitely caught my attention.

In Conclusion

A few years ago, when I was working in Northern Virginia, I tried the Whole30 challenge with a coworker. By the end of the 30 days, I had lost some weight and was sleeping better — much better. That experience has stuck with me.

Since then, I’ve been trying to find my deeper why for losing weight — and I think I’ve found it. Waking up without sinus headaches, getting better sleep, and feeling like myself again? That’s motivation enough.

This might just become my main why.