Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is an essential part of getting better when you're sick, but coughing can make it impossible to get the rest you need. A cough can be caused by a wide variety of conditions and circumstances, from the common cold to allergies, bacterial or viral infections, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of a cough, but addressing the underlying issue and making some simple lifestyle changes can help you manage your symptoms and get a good night's rest.
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What You'll Learn
- Causes of coughing at night include GERD, postnasal drip, and allergies
- Elevating your head while sleeping can help to manage coughing
- Home remedies such as honey, lozenges, and decongestants may help
- Over-the-counter medications can suppress coughing to help you sleep
- If coughing persists, consult a doctor to address underlying conditions
Causes of coughing at night include GERD, postnasal drip, and allergies
Coughing at night can be disruptive, and it can take some trial and error to figure out the cause. Causes of coughing at night include GERD, postnasal drip, and allergies.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic cause of acid reflux and nighttime coughing. When the circular muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus fails to tighten properly, acid can squirt back up, irritating the lining of the oesophagus and structures in the throat. This backwash is called reflux. When you lie down, acid can reflux even more easily, and when acid gets on the vocal cords, it can trigger coughing. GERD can cause a dry cough that may or may not be accompanied by a burning feeling (heartburn) or pain in the chest.
Postnasal Drip
Postnasal drip describes a constant trickle of mucus from the upper airways—the sinuses and throat. In the daytime, when you're upright, these fluids drain naturally with the help of gravity, and you swallow and clear them. However, when you lie down, mucus can collect at the back of the throat, and if mucus lands on the vocal cords or enters the lungs, it can trigger a wet cough that produces phlegm or mucus.
Allergies
Allergies can also cause coughing at night. Allergens like dust mites and mould can worsen in damp air, and asthma can sometimes be exacerbated by dampness. If you have pets, keeping them out of your bedroom at night and washing your bedding regularly can help reduce coughing caused by pet allergies.
If you are coughing at night, it is important to address the underlying cause. Sleeping with your head elevated can help with coughing caused by GERD, postnasal drip, and allergies.
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Elevating your head while sleeping can help to manage coughing
Coughing can be a disruptive and frustrating experience, especially when it affects your sleep. Elevating your head while sleeping is a popular home remedy for managing a cough. This method can be helpful for those with a wet cough, as it may help to drain the lungs and prevent mucus from accumulating in the throat.
If you have a wet cough, try propping yourself up with a few pillows to elevate your head and chest. You can also try lying on your side or sleeping on your stomach with your back end elevated. These positions can help to prevent mucus from building up in your throat and triggering a cough. It is important to note that sleeping on your stomach may not be comfortable for everyone and could worsen pressure in your sinuses.
For those with a dry cough, elevating your head while sleeping may also be beneficial. You can create an elevated surface by stacking pillows or plush items. This position can help to keep your head and neck raised, reducing the risk of mucus dripping into your throat and triggering a cough. Additionally, sleeping with your head elevated may be useful if your cough is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). By keeping your head raised, gravity can help keep stomach acid in your stomach, reducing the likelihood of acid reflux irritating your throat and triggering a cough.
It is recommended to elevate the head of your bed by 4-6 inches. You can achieve this by using bricks or blocks to raise the head of your bed. However, be cautious not to elevate your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort.
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Home remedies such as honey, lozenges, and decongestants may help
Home remedies can be a great way to soothe a cough and help you sleep. Honey is a popular home remedy for coughs, and for good reason. Honey has proven benefits in reducing nocturnal coughing and improving sleep. You can take a spoonful of honey on its own, add it to warm liquids or herbal tea, or even try it with ginger root steeped in warm water. Honey is generally safe for children over the age of one, but be sure to consult a doctor before giving honey to a child.
Lozenges are another effective home remedy for coughs. They help lubricate and soothe irritated throat tissues. Some lozenges contain menthol, which can help open up your sinuses and reduce the urge to cough. You can also find lozenges with ginger, eucalyptus, or vitamin C. Be sure to finish the lozenge before lying down to avoid choking.
Decongestants are also an option for relieving coughs. They can help dry up postnasal drip, which is a common cause of nighttime coughing. Decongestants typically come in pill or nasal spray form. However, if you have high blood pressure, be sure to speak to your doctor before using a decongestant.
In addition to these home remedies, there are other simple strategies you can try to help relieve your cough and improve your sleep. Drinking warm liquids before bed, such as herbal tea or warm water with honey, can soothe your cough and loosen mucus. Using a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom can also help relieve both dry and wet coughs by adding moisture to the air. Elevating your head and neck while you sleep can also help reduce coughing by preventing mucus from accumulating in your throat.
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Over-the-counter medications can suppress coughing to help you sleep
Coughing at night can be disruptive, and there are many treatments available to help you sleep more peacefully. 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 over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
OTC cough medicines come in various forms, including syrups, pills, lozenges, sprays, tablets, capsules, and rubs. These medications can help suppress your cough or make it more productive, depending on the type of cough you have.
For a dry cough, cough suppressants, also called antitussives, can be helpful. These medications suppress or reduce your cough by blocking your brain's cough reflex. One of the most common active ingredients in these suppressants is dextromethorphan (DM), which is available in the United States. However, dextromethorphan can cause significant side effects, and it is not suitable for people with severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia. Instead, menthol products, such as cough drops or rubs, can be used as cough suppressants and help open the airways to reduce coughing and congestion.
For a wet cough, expectorants can help thin and break up mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear out of your airways. The ingredient guaifenesin, available in tablet, capsule, or syrup form, is the most commonly used expectorant and the only one approved for use in the United States.
Combination products may also include other medicines to ease additional symptoms, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and painkillers. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can be especially helpful at bedtime as they can have a sedative effect and are often included in "nighttime" or "PM" formulations of cough medicines.
It is important to note that OTC cough medicines may not work for everyone, and they are not recommended for young children. If your cough persists or worsens, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
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If coughing persists, consult a doctor to address underlying conditions
Coughing is a common symptom of a cold, the flu, and several other respiratory viruses. It can be disruptive, especially at night, and may prevent you from falling asleep or wake you up. While there are home remedies and lifestyle measures you can try to lessen its severity and duration, if your cough persists or worsens, it is important to consult a doctor.
A persistent cough can be due to various underlying health conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), certain medications, or smoking. Seeking medical advice is crucial to receiving an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
GERD, for example, is a chronic cause of acid reflux and nighttime coughing. It occurs when the circular muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus fails to tighten properly, allowing stomach acid to squirt back up and irritate the throat and oesophagus. Lying down further eases the flow of acid into the oesophagus, exacerbating the problem. Treatment for GERD involves dietary modifications and medications that suppress acid production.
Postnasal drip is another common cause of coughing at night. It refers to mucus secretions running down the throat instead of exiting through the nose. This often accompanies a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus infections. Elevating your head while sleeping can help manage postnasal drip by allowing mucus to drain out of the nose instead of triggering a cough.
If your cough is caused by allergies, it is recommended to keep pets out of your bedroom at night and wash bedding in hot water regularly. Consult a doctor to determine if your cough would respond to over-the-counter or prescription medication that blocks the body's production of histamines or acetylcholine, which stimulate coughing.
In summary, while coughing can often be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes, it is important to consult a doctor if your cough persists or worsens. They can help address any underlying conditions and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
A persistent cough can be due to several health conditions, including bronchitis, asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medication side effects, and smoking. To help reduce coughing at night, try sleeping with your head elevated, which will help you swallow secretions better and make it harder for stomach acid to reflux.
You can try using a room humidifier, especially in the winter when dry air makes secretions thicker. A humidifier can help break them up and thin them out.
Getting plenty of sleep can help you recover from a cold and decrease your risk of getting sick. Try taking cough medicine, swallowing honey, or drinking a warm beverage before bed.
If your cough is accompanied by wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, high fevers, body aches, chills, or difficulty swallowing or keeping down liquids/food, seek medical attention. If your child is coughing at night and it's interfering with their sleep and healthy growth, always talk to your doctor.
