There are a couple of things to consider when trying to get rid of a stuffy nose after swimming.
Firstly, have you tried swimming in other pools or is this an issue everywhere you swim? And secondly, have you tried wearing a nose clip?
Why do I get a stuffy nose after swimming?
The main reason for nose and sinus congestion is a reaction to, or an irritation caused by, the chlorine in a pool’s bleaching system.
How to avoid getting a stuffy nose after swimming
If there is another local pool option for you, I’d suggest you try swimming there to see if things change.
Otherwise, the alternative is to use a nose clip to minimise the chances of water and chlorine getting in your sinuses.
If you find that the congested feeling stops you from being able to sleep well afterwards, remember that while many people use exercise to improve their sleep habits it’s all a matter of timing, and, depending on when you exercise, there’s a chance it might have the reverse effect.
Immediately following moderate exercise, you’re likely to feel very awake, so many people like early morning or afternoon workouts to invigorate them and help them feel more energetic as they go through a full day of work.
On the flip side, this can be frustrating if you’re hoping to sleep shortly after finishing – late-night exercise is likely to leave you feeling wide awake, and so you’ll find it difficult to fall asleep.
The biggest change that you can make is to ensure you perform a decent cool-down at the end of your evening session in the pool. Slowing the heart rate back down will help calm your body a little before bed.
Equally, when you get home from the pool, try and stay away from using a computer or any gadgets before you go to bed.
The less you can do to awaken your brain, the more likely it is that you’ll fall into a restful sleep quickly.
For lots more swim advice head to our Training section.
Top image credit: Jonny Gawler