Miya Pearson
Coughing is a common symptom of various ailments, including the common cold, flu, and several other respiratory infections. It can significantly disrupt sleep, causing individuals to wake up frequently throughout the night. Nocturnal coughing can be distressing and lead to sleep disturbances, potentially impacting an individual's health-related quality of life and causing neuropsychiatric disorders. While coughing is typically less frequent during sleep due to decreased cough sensitivity, certain factors can trigger coughing fits at night, such as postnasal drip, allergies, and specific medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you cough in your sleep without waking up? | It is rare to cough in your sleep without waking up. |
| Reasons for coughing in sleep | GERD, postnasal drip, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), medication side effects, heart failure, sleep apnea, allergies, sinus infections, flu, common cold, dry throat, and mouth |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter (OTC) medication, cough suppressants, lozenges, humidifiers, nasal decongestants, expectorants, honey, steam, elevating your head, drinking fluids, dietary modifications, avoiding certain foods, antacids, and medication that suppresses acid |
| Effect of coughing in sleep | Impaired sleep quality, neuropsychiatric disorders, anxiety, depression, pain, discomfort, dry throat, mouth, postnasal drip, physical discomfort, and increased illness symptoms |
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What You'll Learn
Causes of coughing in your sleep
A cough is the symptom that is most likely to wake you up at night, but it can also be caused by other factors. Nocturnal coughing can be distressing and disruptive, causing disturbances in sleep and even neuropsychiatric disorders in patients.
The most common causes of a cough are upper and lower airway infections, post-infectious coughs, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other causes include certain medications, smoking, and heart disease.
If you have a cough that gets worse at night, it could be due to postnasal drip, which often accompanies a cold. Postnasal drip refers to secretions that run down the back of the throat instead of coming out of the nose. Lying on your back can worsen postnasal drip, which may explain why you notice worse coughing at night. Decongestants can help dry up the postnasal drip that causes nighttime coughing. However, decongestants are not safe for people with high blood pressure or children under 12.
Another cause of coughing at night could be acid reflux or GERD. When the circular muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus fails to tighten properly, acid can squirt back up, irritating the throat and, in severe cases, the windpipe. When you lie down, acid can reflux more easily, and this can cause a dry cough. Treatment for GERD involves dietary modifications, avoiding foods and drinks that worsen symptoms, and drugs that suppress acid.
If you have a chronic lung condition such as asthma or COPD, you should discuss possible treatments with your healthcare provider. Cough medicines can provide relief, but they are associated with unpleasant side effects and may not be more effective than a placebo. Cough suppressants, also known as antitussives, can help with a dry cough by blocking the cough reflex.
Other causes of coughing in your sleep include heart failure, sleep apnea, and certain medications such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure.
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Treatments for coughing in your sleep
Coughing at night can be disruptive and frustrating, and it can be made worse by sleeping flat on your back or side, as this can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat. There are many treatments and remedies to help lessen the severity and duration of a cough, so you can sleep more peacefully.
If you have a dry cough, you can try sucking on a lozenge and taking a decongestant before bed, as well as elevating your head while you sleep. You can stack some pillows or plush items to create an elevated surface to rest your head and neck on. However, avoid elevating your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort. Decongestants are not safe for people with high blood pressure or children under 12.
For a wet cough, you can take an expectorant to thin the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up phlegm. The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved expectorant in the United States is guaifenesin, which is marketed under brand names like Mucinex and Robitussin DM. You can also swallow honey and drink a warm beverage before bed. However, it is not safe to give honey to children under 1 year old because of the risk of botulism, which can be deadly.
If your cough is due to allergies, cutting down on allergens around you may help prevent it. Regularly clean and dust your home to prevent dust buildup, and consider investing in a HEPA filter to get rid of allergens in the air. If you have pets, keep them out of your bedroom, and wash your bedding regularly.
If your cough is due to acid reflux or GERD, treatment options include dietary modifications and drugs that suppress acid, such as omeprazole (Prilosec). You can also try to stay upright after eating and use a wedge pillow to sleep, as this helps you swallow secretions better and makes it harder for stomach acid to reflux.
If your cough is caused by a cold, the flu, or allergies, you may be able to ease it by trying some simple home remedies or taking over-the-counter (OTC) cough, cold, or allergy medications. If your cough is due to a lung infection, lying down helps move mucus out of the lungs more effectively.
If your cough has lasted more than a few weeks or your symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
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The impact of coughing on your health
Coughing is an important reflex that helps protect the airways and lungs. An occasional cough is a normal, healthy function of the body, but coughing can also have a significant impact on your health.
Coughing can be disruptive to your sleep, preventing you from falling asleep or waking you up. This can be frustrating and impact your ability to function during the day. If you have a daytime cough, your body's natural decrease in cough sensitivity during sleep is lost, making it more likely that you will cough in your sleep.
If your cough is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, high fever, coughing up blood or bloody phlegm, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or overnight sweats, it is important to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart failure.
There are treatments available for coughing depending on the underlying cause. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, expectorants, and cough suppressants can help with coughing. Home remedies such as using a humidifier, elevating your head and neck while sleeping, and drinking fluids can also help alleviate coughing.
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The link between coughing and your immune system
Coughing is one of the body's most basic defence mechanisms. We cough to expel foreign particles from our respiratory system, which helps to clear bacteria and viruses out of the system. The larger bronchi and trachea possess nerve receptors that are sensitive to contact and irritants.
The immune system and the neuronal system coordinate to protect the body. The neuronal system is primarily responsible for the cough reflex, but the immune system plays a role in regulating it. Inhalational triggers can stimulate both the peripheral nervous and immune systems. Activated vagal sensory neurons may induce subsequent immune activation (neurogenic inflammation). Activated immune systems lead to the up-regulation of cough responses (peripheral sensitization).
The common cold is caused by one of more than 200 different viruses. When your body is exposed to a cold-causing virus, it jumps into action to fight off the infection. The symptoms you feel when you have a cold happen because your body is fighting so hard, not because the virus is hurting your cells. When you get a runny nose or a cough from a cold, these symptoms are signs that your immune system is fighting the virus.
In most cases, a cough caused by an infection or irritant will clear up within a few weeks with home remedies or over-the-counter medication. However, sometimes a cough can be a sign of a more serious condition. For example, a dry cough at night may be one of the first signs of heart failure. If you have a persistent cough, it is important to see a healthcare professional to rule out serious causes and get an appropriate treatment plan.
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When to seek medical help for coughing
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps your body clear your airways and protect itself. While coughing is usually harmless, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition.
If your cough is caused by an infection or irritant, it will typically clear up within a few weeks with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, if your cough persists or worsens, it may be time to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to consult a healthcare professional:
- Duration of the cough: If your cough lasts for several weeks or more, it is considered a persistent or chronic cough. Chronic coughs can be a sign of a potentially serious medical issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
- Associated symptoms: Seek medical help if your cough is accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, high fever, body aches, chills, or difficulty swallowing or keeping down liquids/food. These symptoms could indicate a more severe condition.
- Breathing problems: A cough that is associated with breathing difficulties or trouble breathing is a cause for concern. If you experience shortness of breath or wheezing along with your cough, consult a doctor promptly.
- Fever: A cough accompanied by a fever can be a symptom of an infection or, in some cases, COVID-19. If you have a fever along with your cough, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
- Fatigue and body aches: Coughing can be exhausting, and if it is accompanied by fatigue and body aches, it may indicate a more serious condition. Consider seeking medical advice if your cough is impacting your energy levels and causing body aches.
- Difficulty sleeping: A persistent cough can disrupt your sleep, leading to fatigue and exhaustion. If your cough is preventing you from getting adequate rest, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment options.
- Children and newborns: For young children and newborns, the threshold for seeking medical help is lower. If your child has a nonstop cough, especially if they are under six months old, it is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation.
It is important to remember that these are general guidelines, and if you have any concerns about your cough or your child's cough, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is possible to cough in your sleep without waking up, but it is uncommon. The body's natural decrease in cough sensitivity during sleep is negated if you have a daytime cough. This makes it more likely that you will cough in your sleep and wake up.
There are several ways to prevent coughing in your sleep, including:
- Using extra pillows or a wedge to elevate your head and neck.
- Taking over-the-counter cough medicines, lozenges, or cough suppressants.
- Using a room humidifier.
- Staying hydrated.
- Taking a steamy shower before bed.
There are several reasons why you might be coughing more at night:
- Lying down can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, triggering a cough.
- Your body's immune functions are more active at night, which can cause congestion, fever, and coughing.
- You might have a condition such as asthma, heart failure, or sleep apnea, which can cause coughing fits at night.
