We don t sneeze when we sleep because the nerves required for the reflex are also asleep

We Don’t Sneeze When We Sleep: Exploring the Sleeping Reflex

Have you ever wondered why you never wake up to the sound of your own sneeze? It turns out that sneezing is one of those bodily reflexes that doesn’t occur while we are fast asleep. The reason behind this lies within the nerves responsible for the sneezing reflex - they too take a well-deserved rest during our slumber.

When we sneeze, it is an involuntary reflex triggered by the stimulation of the nasal lining. The process involves a swift and sudden expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth to clear irritants. However, during sleep, this reflex doesn’t interrupt our tranquil moments. Let’s explore why.

The nerves responsible for the sneezing reflex are known as the trigeminal nerves. These nerves have numerous sensory branches connecting to the nasal cavity, face, and eyes. When triggered by various irritants like dust, pollen, or even sudden bright lights, these nerves initiate the sneezing action to forcibly expel the irritants and protect our airways.

During regular waking hours, the trigeminal nerves remain alert and vigilant. They are constantly scanning the environment, ready to react to any sneeze-inducing stimuli. However, when we fall asleep, our bodies enter a different state of rest, and so do these nerves. As a result, we are spared from the interruption of sneezing while enjoying a peaceful slumber.

Although the exact mechanism behind the complete suppression of the sneezing reflex during sleep is not fully understood, it is believed that various changes occur within our nervous system and brain activity. These changes potentially influence the trigeminal nerves and temporarily halt their functioning.

Sleep is an essential component of our overall well-being. It allows our body to rest, recover, and recharge for the day ahead. During this time, various bodily functions slow down, and our brain actively regulates and controls them. It appears that the sneezing reflex simply becomes another task that is postponed to keep our sleep uninterrupted.

It is worth noting that while we may not sneeze during deep sleep, we can still experience sneezing during lighter phases of sleep or when waking up. As we transition from sleep to wakefulness, the body gradually emerges from its restful state, and so do the trigeminal nerves. This process reactivates the possibility of sneezing once again, albeit not as frequently as during our waking hours.

In conclusion, we don’t sneeze when we sleep because the nerves involved in the sneezing reflex also take a break. As we enter a state of deep slumber, these nerves temporarily cease their activity, sparing us the interruption of a sneeze. Our bodies are fascinating, and even the most involuntary actions, like sneezing, can adapt to give us uninterrupted rest. So next time you find yourself in a sneezing fit, just remember that your body kindly allows you to enjoy peaceful sleep without any interruptions from this reflex.

Source: Library of Congress: Everyday Mysteries - Does Your Heart Stop When You Sneeze?