If you’re looking for some remedies to help ease nasal congestion that are drug-free and won’t result in you feeling like a zombie at work the next morning, check out the tips below. And remember, if your nasal congestion is more than just occasional, you may want to talk with your doctor about possible causes and solutions!

 How to ease a stuffy nose in the middle of the night

 Rinse with a nasal cleanser

 Nasal cleanser are drug-free nasal irrigation systems that use salt water (or saline) to clear out clogged nasal passages. They look a little strange, and may take some practice (you’re basically pouring water through your nose, which can feel awkward at first), but when used properly, nasal cleansers can clear the nose of bacteria, allergens, and mucus. Just make sure that you’re always using sterilized water (not tap!) and follow the directions on the package carefully. Improper use of nasal cleansers can increase risk of infection.

 Drink water or brew some decaffeinated tea

 If your stuffy nose is from a cold or allergies, hydration can help thin out mucus. Plus, certain teas like chamomile may help you fall asleep and can be helpful if you don’t really feel like starting your day at 2 a.m.!

 Apply a Breathe Right strip

 If you wake up in the middle of the night and feel nasal congestion but don’t want to deal with a hot kettle or prepping a nasal cleanser, reach across your nightstand and grab a Breathe Right strip. Easy to apply, drug-free, and effective, Breathe Right strips open your nose up 38 percent more than nasal decongestants alone to relieve snoring and nighttime nasal congestion due to colds and allergies. Apply, lie back, close your eyes, and breathe better!

 Take a hot shower before bed

While this isn’t something to do if you wake up in the middle of the night, it’s a proactive way to help prevent exactly that from happening. Inhaling steam from a hot shower may help ease nasal congestion caused by a cold, thereby lessening the chance you’ll wake up with a stuffy nose later.

 Try some mindful meditation

There is evidence that suggests mindfulness meditation (which is a practice that involves breathing and present moment awareness) may help with sleep and relaxation. While this meditation won’t do anything to ease the physical sensation of a stuffy nose, it may help quiet your mind of all those middle-of-the-night anxieties that can often keep people awake.

Your stuffy nose at night can be caused by different factors such as a cold, flu, allergens, increased blood flow or dehydration. You can reduce the blood flow to your head by putting extra pillows under your head and neck when you lie down.

Drinking fluids throughout the day can keep your nasal passages moist and the mucus loose at night. Limiting the allergens in your bedroom can help reduce your nose stuffiness.

 When to See a Doctor

A stuffy nose usually goes away on its own, but there are cases where your symptoms might need medical attention. You should consult a healthcare provider about your stuffy nose if:

It lasts more than 10 days.

# Your nose secretions are green or yellow with a bad smell.

# Your nose secretions contain blood.

# You have a fever.

# You have a headache or pain in your face.

# Your stuffy nose gets worse and impacts your quality of sleep