Herbie Murray
Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat that can cause throat dryness, pain, and coughing, making it difficult to sleep. To sleep better with strep throat, it is important to keep the throat lubricated and moist. Drinking water regularly throughout the day and keeping a glass of water by the bedside is recommended. In addition to hydration, inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower can help ease symptoms in adults. Using a humidifier or placing bowls of water near heat sources can also add moisture to the air, reducing throat irritation. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as throat sprays or gargles containing anesthetics can be used before bed. Furthermore, creating a relaxing bedtime environment, avoiding screens, and having a wind-down routine can improve sleep quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Treatment | Antibiotics, pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), throat sprays, lozenges, mentholated gel, saltwater gargle, steam inhalation, humidifier, drinking water |
| Prevention | Avoid cigarette smoke, paint or cleaning product fumes, use of electronic devices before bed |
| Sleep position | Inclined/head raised |
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What You'll Learn
Use a humidifier or inhale steam to keep the air moist
Strep throat can make it difficult to sleep due to throat dryness and pain. One way to alleviate these symptoms is to use a humidifier or inhale steam to keep the air moist. Here are some ways to do this:
Use a Humidifier
If the air in your room is dry, using a humidifier can help to relieve throat pain by adding moisture to the air as you sleep. The ideal indoor humidity is between 30% to 50%. It is important to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth and spread of mould and bacteria. If you don't have a humidifier, you can place bowls of water near heat sources, such as radiators, to increase humidity.
Inhale Steam
Another way to keep the air moist is to inhale steam before bed. You can do this by boiling water and pouring it into a large bowl. Lean over the bowl, covering your head with a tea towel, and inhale the steam for a few minutes. You can also add fresh lemon slices, menthol, or eucalyptus oil to the water for additional benefits. This method is not recommended for children due to the risk of scalding.
Take a Warm Shower
If you don't have access to a humidifier or prefer not to inhale steam directly, taking a warm shower can help. The steam from the shower will moisten the air and provide similar benefits to using a humidifier. This can help ease throat pain and make it easier to sleep.
By following these methods, you can increase the humidity in your environment, which can help soothe throat pain associated with strep throat and improve your sleep quality.
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Drink water or herbal tea to soothe your throat
Drinking water and herbal tea can help soothe your throat and improve your quality of sleep when you have strep throat. Water keeps your throat moist and lubricated, preventing dryness and reducing throat pain. It is recommended to sip water regularly throughout the day and keep a glass of water by your bed to drink during the night.
In addition to water, you can drink herbal tea to soothe your throat. Brew a pot of herbal or decaffeinated black tea and add honey to it. Honey coats your throat, making it easier to swallow. Drinking tea with honey can be a relaxing ritual before bedtime, helping you unwind and prepare for sleep.
If you prefer warm water, you can also gargle with saltwater. Mix half a teaspoon of natural sea salt with one cup of warm water. Gargle the mixture at the back of your throat and spit it out. Saltwater can help numb the pain and kill bacteria in your throat. However, it is important to note that gargling with saltwater may not be suitable for young children.
While drinking water and herbal tea can help soothe your throat, it is also crucial to ensure that the air in your bedroom is not too dry. Dry air can worsen throat pain and interfere with sleep. Using a humidifier or placing bowls of water near heat sources can help add moisture to the air and relieve throat irritation.
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Avoid hot drinks and irritants like smoke
Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat. If you or your child have been diagnosed with strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. Antibiotics can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications and the likelihood of infection spreading to others.
To sleep better with strep throat, it is recommended to avoid hot drinks and irritants like smoke. Here are some tips to help you sleep better while avoiding these irritants:
- Avoid hot drinks: Hot drinks can irritate the throat and make the pain worse. Instead, sip cool or room-temperature water regularly throughout the day and keep a glass of water by your bedside at night. This will help keep your throat moist and lubricated, reducing dryness and pain.
- Stay away from cigarette smoke: Cigarette smoke can irritate a sore throat and increase the likelihood of infections such as tonsillitis. If you are a smoker, consider avoiding smoking while you have strep throat. If someone close to you smokes, kindly ask them to refrain from smoking near you to prevent second-hand smoke exposure.
- Avoid other irritants: In addition to cigarette smoke, stay away from fumes from paint or cleaning products, which can also irritate the throat and lungs. Opt for natural, gentle cleaning products, and if you need to paint, ensure proper ventilation and consider wearing a mask.
- Create a soothing environment: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine that avoids screen time and incorporates soothing activities such as meditation. Keep your bedroom well-ventilated and maintain a comfortable temperature. Consider using a humidifier or placing bowls of water near heat sources to add moisture to the air, which can help relieve throat irritation.
- Elevate your head while sleeping: Use pillows or slightly elevate the head of your bed to prop your head up higher than your chest. This position can help clear mucus, improve breathing, and reduce post-nasal drip, which can irritate the throat.
- Try throat sprays or gargles: Over-the-counter throat sprays with anaesthetics can numb the throat and provide temporary relief from pain. Alternatively, gargling with saltwater (mix 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt with 1 cup of warm water) can help numb the pain and kill bacteria. However, do not gargle with saltwater if you are giving this remedy to a child, as it is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
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Elevate your head to clear mucus and aid breathing
If you're struggling to sleep due to strep throat, one way to clear mucus and aid breathing is to elevate your head. This can be done by raising the head of your bed by around 10 to 20 cm using wood or books, or simply by using a few extra pillows. This will help to prevent mucus from dripping down the back of your throat and causing irritation. It can also relieve congestion by influencing your blood flow and reducing pressure in your sinuses.
Additionally, if your strep throat is caused by acid reflux, keeping your head elevated can help to prevent stomach acids from travelling up your oesophagus, reducing pain and other symptoms.
To further aid breathing and clear mucus, you can try inhaling steam before bed. This can be done by inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water, or by boiling a kettle and pouring the water into a bowl, leaning over it, and covering your head with a tea towel to keep the steam in. Adding menthol or eucalyptus oil to the water can also help.
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Take over-the-counter medication to numb the pain
If you are struggling to sleep due to strep throat, taking over-the-counter medication can help to numb the pain. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a sore throat, coughing, and throat dryness, all of which can disrupt your sleep. While antibiotics are typically required to treat the underlying bacterial infection, over-the-counter medications can provide temporary pain relief and help you sleep better.
One option for numbing the pain is to use topical numbing medications, also known as anaesthetics. These medications are available as throat sprays or lozenges and can effectively numb the throat to relieve pain. Common anaesthetics found in these products include benzocaine, menthol, and phenol. It is important to note that while these medications can provide targeted sore throat relief, they may also numb other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue or cheeks. Additionally, they should be used with caution in children and only as directed by a healthcare provider.
Another type of over-the-counter medication that can help soothe a sore throat and strep throat pain is oral demulcents. Demulcents form a soothing film over the mucous membranes in the throat, helping to relieve minor pain and inflammation. Glycerol (glycerin) is a common ingredient in demulcent throat lozenges, cough syrups, and throat sprays, providing moisturization and soothing properties. Some demulcent products also include additional ingredients such as honey and lemon for extra relief.
Antihistamines are another option for over-the-counter medication to help with strep throat pain. They work by blocking the release of histamines in the body, which can cause allergies and allergic reactions. Antihistamines can be particularly useful if your sore throat is related to seasonal allergies. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking antihistamines, especially if you have other medical conditions or take other medications.
In addition to these options, there are other over-the-counter pain relievers available to help manage strep throat pain. For example, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also effective for pain relief, although it does not reduce inflammation. However, it is important to note that individuals with liver problems should exercise caution when taking acetaminophen.
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Frequently asked questions
Strep throat is a bacterial infection, and if diagnosed by a doctor, it can be treated with antibiotics. To sleep better, you can try the following:
- Drink water regularly to keep your throat moist and lubricated.
- Avoid hot drinks as they can worsen throat pain.
- Keep your room humid to prevent throat irritation.
- Sleep with your head elevated to clear mucus and ease congestion.
- Use throat sprays or gargles before bed to numb the pain.
A: Drinking warm liquids can help soothe your throat. You can try drinking tea with honey, or gargle with saltwater. Avoid hot drinks as they can irritate your throat.
A: You can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent throat irritation. If you don't have a humidifier, you can put bowls of water near heat sources or run a warm shower to increase the humidity in your room.
A: You can try anaesthetic throat sprays or gargles to numb the pain. Lozenges can also help moisten your throat and provide relief.
A: It is important to stay away from irritants such as cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and cleaning product fumes, as these can irritate your throat and lungs. You should also avoid looking at screens before bed and try to wind down with a relaxing bedtime routine.
