Nosebleed in sleep

Nosebleeds during sleep occur more frequently and are harmless in most cases. The cause of nocturnal nosebleeds is still largely unknown. The blood vessels in the dream phase of sleep are rather narrow and in the deep sleep phase they are rather wide, accordingly the blood circulation and blood pressure are different.

This could explain in connection with the vegetative nervous system, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system, nightly nosebleeds in the beginning. However, research is still ongoing and the causes of nocturnal nosebleeds are controversially discussed. Other triggering factors can be dry air, e.g. heating air in winter or air conditioning in summer.

These can dry out the mucous membranes, making them more sensitive and brittle, and can therefore tear more quickly. Since the fluid intake is minimized, especially at night, the risk of nosebleeds could be higher at night for the reasons mentioned above. Allergy-related causes can also lead to nightly nosebleeds.

Since, for example, the pollen count is higher at night and if the window is open, the pollen may irritate the nose and cause nightly nosebleeds. The vessels of the front nasal septum are often affected. The blood appears dark red and is usually easy to stop.

It often helps to pay attention to better air quality. It may be helpful to use a humidifier. In rare cases the vessels of the posterior nasal septum tear.

The blood is bright red and often splashing and difficult or impossible to stop. In these cases a doctor should be consulted. The cause, such as high blood pressure at night or other underlying diseases, should be clarified.

Nosebleed due to stress

Probably nosebleeds can also be caused by psychological or physical stress. A connection with the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system, is suspected. According to this, the nasal septum vessels could not withstand the pressure caused by the increase in blood pressure triggered by the sympathetic nervous system. However, these causes are controversially discussed and are still being researched.