Why Coughing Stops During Sleep: Understanding The Science

Coughing is a common symptom that can be caused by a range of factors, from acute bronchitis to chronic conditions. While coughing is disruptive to sleep, it is uncommon for healthy people to cough in their sleep. This is because the body enters a brief wakeful state to cough or sneeze, and you may not remember it. However, certain conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and habit cough in children can cause coughing during sleep.

Sleep suppresses coughing

There are several reasons why coughing is suppressed during sleep. Firstly, there is reduced exposure to tussive stimuli at night. Secondly, cough reflex sensitivity is decreased. Thirdly, it is more difficult to induce a cough during REM sleep compared to slow-wave sleep. Studies on anesthetized humans have also shown that the cough reflex is suppressed, although the expiratory reflex is less affected.

Additionally, the sleeping position can affect coughing. Sleeping flat on the back or side can cause mucus to accumulate in the throat, triggering a cough. Therefore, it is recommended to sleep with the head and neck elevated.

Furthermore, certain health conditions are associated with nighttime coughing, including postnasal drip, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), medication side effects, and heart failure.

In summary, while the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, sleep suppresses coughing through a combination of factors, including reduced tussive stimuli, decreased cough reflex sensitivity, and the body's position during sleep.

Coughing can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea

Coughing is a common symptom that leads to many doctor's visits. It is usually caused by acute bronchitis resulting from a viral respiratory infection and lasts for one to three weeks. A cough is considered chronic if it lasts longer than four weeks. Chronic coughs may result from a wide range of common and uncommon diseases, including gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, and post-nasal drip. However, in some cases, chronic coughing can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where the person experiences choking during sleep, causing the brain to kick in and wake them up. This survival mechanism can lead to disrupted sleep and conditions such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and increased risk of automobile accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it is often associated with obesity, with about 50% of obese individuals suffering from it.

The link between chronic coughing and obstructive sleep apnea is still being explored. Some studies suggest that coughing may be triggered by gastroesophageal reflux, a common comorbidity of sleep apnea. Additionally, sleep apnea patients experience frequent respiratory infections, which are known to initiate coughing in a third of patients with chronic cough. Furthermore, the mechanical trauma and inflammation caused by recurring obstructive events in sleep apnea patients may also contribute to chronic coughing.

The treatment for chronic coughing caused by sleep apnea includes the use of positive airway pressure through continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, which provide air pressure to open the airways. Behavioral treatment is also essential, as it helps address the underlying psychological or emotional issues that may trigger the coughing.

Body movement is inhibited during sleep

This is also why it's important to turn a drunk person onto their side if they've passed out. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems work in mysterious ways. A person will wake up just enough to cough, sneeze, vomit, sit up, sleepwalk, or piss themselves, and then go right back to sleep.

Physiological paralysis takes place during REM sleep, not deep sleep. It is possible to cough during light sleep phases but not during deep sleep. If the body needs to cough to remove obstructions, it will move from deep to light sleep, resulting in less restful sleep and leaving the sleeper more tired the next day.

Coughing can be caused by mucus accumulation during sleep

Coughing is a protective reflex that can be caused by mucus accumulation during sleep. When we lie down, mucus can collect at the back of the throat, triggering a cough. This is known as postnasal drip and it is more likely to occur at night when we are sleeping. During the day, mucus can drain naturally with the help of gravity, but when we lie down, gravity is no longer able to help with this drainage.

In addition, our bodies find it more challenging to clear mucus when we are lying down, which can result in a build-up of mucus in the lungs. This build-up of mucus can then trigger a cough reflex as the body attempts to get rid of the excess mucus.

Elevating the head and neck while sleeping can help to prevent mucus from accumulating in the throat and triggering a cough. Sleeping flat on the back or side can cause mucus to build up and lead to a cough.

While coughing can be disruptive to sleep, it is worth noting that sleep also suppresses coughing. Cough frequency is much lower at night than during the day, and it is uncommon for healthy people to cough in their sleep.

Coughing can be a symptom of a serious condition

Coughing is a natural reflex that helps protect the body by removing irritants from the airways. It is a common symptom that often leads to visits to the doctor. While coughing is usually not a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Acute bronchitis caused by a viral respiratory infection is one of the most common causes of coughing. This type of cough typically lasts for one to three weeks. However, if a cough persists for longer than four weeks, it is considered a chronic cough, which may be a symptom of a more serious condition.

Chronic cough can be caused by a variety of factors, including smoking, chronic illnesses affecting the lungs or nervous system, and certain medications. It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), throat disorders, and heart failure.

In addition, coughing at night, or nocturnal cough, can be a presenting symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is more commonly reported in female patients and is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux and rhinitis.

It is important to seek medical advice if a cough persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as wheezing, high fever, or the production of thick mucus, especially if it is yellow, green, or bloody. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of a cough and provide appropriate treatment or advice.

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