Sneezing is a reflex reaction of the body which aims to suddenly expel irritants present in the nose. This process involves a series of complex mechanisms. When an irritating substance is detected by the nasal mucosa, signals are sent to the brain, which will trigger an automatic response. This reflex action then results in a strong expulsion of air through the nose to eliminate the irritating substance or foreign body present in the nose. However, during sleep, some of our muscles are partially deactivated, which can influence our ability to sneeze when we sleep.
Deep sleep is characterized by a decrease in secretions of hormones and neurotransmitters, which leads to a partial abolition of peripheral muscle activity. However, organic muscles such as the heart, diaphragm or digestive system remain active. The muscles that normally fire during a sneeze are therefore also asleep, making it normally impossible to sneeze during sleep. However, although the sensitivity threshold of the nasal mucosa is reduced during sleep, irritants can still trigger a sneeze. But they will first cause the person to wake up.
Sneezing upon waking is often a reaction to a sudden change in temperature in the sleeping environment or to the inhalation of irritating substances present in (…)
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