How to Stop Coughing at Night: Doctors Share Home Remedies For Relief And a Good Night’s Sleep
Hint: the air in your room might be making your cough worse
Coughing is enough of a nuisance when it doesn’t impact your sleep, so it’s arguably even more frustrating when you can’t figure out how to stop coughing at night (especially when it seems to worsen as soon as you’re comfy in bed). We asked our experts to explain why this happens and how to stop coughing at night to sleep soundly.
Why do coughs seem to get worse at night?
It’s not just in your head, coughs tend to feel more intense while winding down.
One reason for this is that when you lie down, gravity causes mucus and postnasal drip to pool in the throat, which triggers coughing, explains Edmond Hakimi, DO, internal medicine physician and Medical Director at Wellbridge.
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“Also, our body’s natural adrenaline levels, which help suppress coughs, decrease at night, making us more sensitive to that tickle in the throat,” he says. “Dry air, common in bedrooms, can also irritate the airways, making a nighttime cough even more uncomfortable.”
How to stop coughing at night
There are quite a few ways to manage night time coughing so you can get a better night’s sleep.
One of the first lines of defense against a cough that’s keeping you up at night is typically an over-the-counter cough medicine, but the best type will be determined by the nature of your cough. If that doesn’t work, there a few home remedies you can try.
Prop yourself up
Lying flat on your back has its benefits, but if you’re actively coughing, it can make things worse. To avoid post-nasal drip, you can start by elevating your head with an extra pillow or two to keep airways clear and prevent mucus from pooling, suggests Christopher Freer, DO, Senior Vice President of Emergency and Hospitalist Medicine at RWJBarnabas Health.
Coat your throat
Sipping on warm tea or water with honey can soothe irritation from a cough, offers Raj Dasgupta, MD, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleepopolis. Staying hydrated throughout the day can also be a helpful proactive strategy, he adds.
Gargling a mixture of warm water and salt can help reduce throat inflammation and may temporarily relieve your symptoms as well, says Dr. Freer.
Use a humidifier
Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, making it easier on your throat than a cool, dry atmosphere, says Dr. Dasgupta.
Don’t have a humidifier? A hot shower before bed can provide temporary relief as well, notes Dr. Hakimi.
Avoid triggers
It’s also important to avoid certain foods, drinks and environmental factors that can irritate your throat and exacerbate your couch. Keep dust and allergens out of your room, suggests Dr. Hakimi.
“Avoid caffeine and skip that evening glass of wine,” says Dr. Freer. “Caffeine can irritate your throat and stimulate a dry cough, while alcohol can worsen symptoms by causing dehydration and weakening the immune system.”
Additionally, heavy late night snacks including those containing caffeine or dairy high in fat right before bed might trigger acid reflux and make your cough worse, cautions Dr. Dasgupta.
When to see your doctor about a cough
“While most coughs stem from minor respiratory issues, symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing or chest tightness can point to more serious conditions including asthma, bronchitis or severe infections,” says Dr. Freer.
Of course, coughing up blood is also a red flag, especially in large quantities, he adds. Any blood in the mucus could signal an infection or lung condition that needs medical care.
Additionally, severe chest pain when coughing or breathing can be a sign of a lung infection or potential blood clot, which is a medical emergency, Dr. Freer says. And, if you have a cough accompanied by a high fever, chills or intense fatigue, it could indicate an infection.
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