If you’re sneezing, you’re definitely awake — you just don’t realize it

“Can you sneeze in your sleep?” is one of those questions that’s way more fun to ask than it is to answer. That’s because the answer is boring: No, you can’t.

But why can’t you sneeze in your sleep? And why does it seem like your partner, child and even the family dog does? We asked family medicine and genetics practitioner Timothy Tramontana, MD.

Can you sneeze during light sleep?

Despite what you may have heard, it’s not possible to sneeze while you’re sleeping — even in the earliest stages of sleep. Simply put: If you’re asleep, the part of your brain that notices those sensations is asleep, too.

“Sneezing requires a certain amount of cortical or brainstem stimulation,” Dr. Tramontana explains. “And that threshold actually increases at night. You need to wake up in order to sneeze — and that goes for both children and adults.”

And, just in case you’re wondering: No, sneezing in your sleep can’t kill you … because it doesn’t happen. That story you heard about your friend’s sister’s cousin was just that: A story. Entertaining? Yes! But it’s not based in reality.

What causes sneezing at night

We sneeze at night for the same reason we sneeze during the day: Because when our nasal passages are stimulated in some way, they send a message to our brains to clear them out.

Sneezing is involuntary, meaning you can’t control it. It’s a response to:

  • Irritation:Inhaling dry air, pepper, second-hand smoke, strong smells and more can provoke a gnarly bout of sneezing.
  • Infections:When you’re dealing with an upper respiratory infection, your nasal passages become inflamed and clogged with congestion. Sneezing is one of the ways your body removes that extra mucus.
  • Allergens:Allergies are basically a case of mistaken identity. Your immune system perceives the dust, pollen or pet dander you inhale as a threat. Sneezing helps expel the offending substance.
  • Bright lights:It seems like something out of a movie, but it’s true. Some people sneeze when they see the sun or transition from a dark location to a bright one — like you might when turning lights on in a dark room. It’s called a photic sneeze reflex.

Right now, you might be wondering: If I’m not sneezing in my sleep, is a bunch of crud just sitting there in my nasal passage all night?

“It is,” Dr. Tramontana confirms. “It stays there because that protective reflex isn’t there to get rid of it. But if the stimulus is strong enough, you’ll wake up in order to sneeze.”

If you’re lucky, you’ll drift right back to sleep and have no memory of sneezing the next day. But if you’re waking up and staying up on a regular basis? That’s a reason to see a provider.

Tips to avoid waking up to sneeze

You may be able to trade nighttime sneezing for slumber by making small adjustments, like upping your water intake and keeping your bedroom tidy. Consider:

  • Trying nasal lavage:“People with chronic sinus issues can use nasal lavage to get rid of built-up irritants and secretions in their nasal passages,” Dr. Tramontana says. If you do decide to give a neti pot or nasal irrigator a try, follow the directions (including cleaning instructions) carefully.
  • Using over-the-counter medicines:“Things as simple as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and cold medicine can help with inflammation,” Dr. Tramontana adds.
  • Running an air purifier:If you have an air purifier trapping the allergens and irritants circulating in your bedroom, it means they aren’t going up your nose!
  • Drinking more water:When you’re dehydrated, your body steals fluid from your mucus membranes to preserve things like your blood pressure and brain function. A dried-out nose is a sensitive nose — and a sensitive nose is more prone to sneezing.
  • Getting a humidifier:If staying hydrated isn’t doing the trick, break out the humidifier. “Having a humidifier in your bedroom provides moisture and prevents your nasal passages from drying out,” Dr. Tramontana reports. “Just be sure to use filtered water and clean the unit regularly.”
  • Keeping your bedroom clean:Making your bed, changing your sheets every one to two weeks, and keeping surfaces free of clutter can reduce your exposure to dust mites and other nasties.
  • Bathing at night:Showering before bed (and changing into clean pajamas, if you wear them) is a great way to shed the allergens and other irritants you collected on your skin all day.

Final thoughts

You can’t sneeze in your sleep — and most nighttime sneezing can be addressed with simple lifestyle changes. But there are some situations where it’s best to seek support from a healthcare provider.

“If you have consistent symptoms at least several times a week over several weeks that don’t seem to be responding to home care, you may want to see your physician,” Dr. Tramontana suggests.

“There are many things that can cause excessive sneezing, from nasal polyps and thyroid issues to the medications you take. And some of them could be cause for concern.”

Dr. Tramontana also recommends reaching out early if you have other symptoms, especially:

  • New-onset headaches
  • Changes to your sense of smell or taste
  • Nosebleeds

Otherwise, rest easy in the knowledge that you’re definitely not conducting a sneeze symphony as you sleep.