Edit: y’all, didn’t you know we have two noses and one nostril sheesh 🤧
In: Biology
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Your nose has a rhythm where it engorges one side with blood, restricting airflow, while the other breathes clearly. If everything is going well, it switches back and forth over time without you noticing.
But, if something aggravates your nasal passages (say, a cold or allergies) then there will inflammation and one or both nasal passages will become extra engorged and you will notice that one passage is more blocked than usual.
When you lay down on one side, gravity pulls the blood to the down side, so the upper passage feels clear while the lower feels blocked from engorgement.
I recommend reading [Breath](https://www.booktopia.com.au/breath-james-nestor/book/9780241289082.html) by James Nestor
There are two maxillary sinuses, one on either side of your nose in your upper jaw. They are pyramidal in shape, with the apex pointing toward your ear and the base toward your nose. These sinuses open into your nose, between small bones called the nasal conchae.
The goblet cells present in the lining of these sinuses secrete mucus, which helps humidify inhaled air and trap foreign bodies(dust, bacteria etc), which is then drained out through the opening(called maxillary Ostia) described above. Now, our anatomical evolution screwed up a bit(or maybe it’s genius by design). Imagine draining a half filled cylinder when the hole is at a level above that of water. How will you drain it? By tilting it to its side, right? That’s how a congested maxillary sinus is drained.
Say, you have sinusitis in your right sinus and it’s congested. The mucus can’t drain because the opening of that sinus is at a higher level than that which will permit easy drainage. So, you lie down on your left side. This way, the opening will face downward, allowing a clear path to escape for the mucus, aided by gravity.
Now you may think that’s a shitty design, but you’ll thank evolution for saving you from becoming a slobbering mess when talking to that cute girl, or just doing any chore.
How many of you guys out there have a left nose and a right nose? I only have one and it’s right in the middle. Luckily it has two nostrils otherwise I’d be lost reading about these issues.
Left nose? Right nose?
My friend, those are nosetrils!
I saw something on a “crazy facts” show on TV once that answered this, they said that the body can sense via something in your armpit that you are lying on your side and it will clear your nostril so that you don’t suffocate in your sleep. You could replicate this by taking a squash ball or tennis ball and squeezing it in your armpit and the opposite nostril would clear.
I remember trying it, and it kinda working.
Now I’m older, and having read some answers here, I’m thinking that TV show was winding me the fuck up!
There is a congestion cycle: one sinus is mostly open and the other one mostly clear, at most times. The clear one may dry out and get a bit damaged, then it recovers while it’s congested. Incidentally, this cycle is interrupted by adrenaline, and Sudafed activates the adrenaline receptor, opening both nostrils.
There was a theory that this cycle evolved to make you change position when you sleep.
It’s the opposite for me, I think I have anti-grav snot. A little fact also, you will notice if you pay close attention that the dominant air inhalation will switch from nostril to nostril about every 40 minutes
I’ve have lived w the same sensation most of my life. To the point where I couldnt breathe while I slept unless I was laying on my left side (not good for my shoulder).
I went to a doctor and he told me my turbinates were swollen. Had a procedure and got them trimmed. Best thing I’ve ever done. I can breathe in any position I sleep in now. Haven’t had an issue breathing since.
One thing to look out for after the procedure is the mucus. I have to blow my nose damn near everyday now. Multiple times. I just builds up now since it’s more open I suppose. Minor side effect but def still worth it.
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