10 Ways To Stop Coughing at Night

Coughing can be an annoying and frustrating experience, especially when it disrupts your sleep at night. It can be caused by various factors such as allergies, cold or flu, acid reflux, sleep apnea, asthma, COVID-19, smoking, and postnasal drip. Whatever the reason may be, not being able to sleep peacefully at night due to coughing can negatively impact your daily life. In this article, I will discuss some ways to stop coughing at night and get the restful sleep you deserve.

1. Use a Humidifier

Dry air can irritate your throat and worsen your cough, especially at night. Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help to add moisture to the air and soothe your throat, making it easier for you to breathe and sleep comfortably.

2. Try lozenges and cough drops

Lozenges and cough drops can help to stop excessive coughing at night. Besides, they can ease your sore throat pain. They are my go-to remedy when coughing bothers me at night. Make sure to finish the lozenge or cough drops before lying down to avoid choking on it at night.

3. Drink Warm Fluids

Drinking warm fluids like tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey can help ease your cough and soothe your throat. The warmth of the fluids can also help to loosen any mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up. Avoid drinking cold fluids, as they can make your cough worse.

4. Elevate Your Head

When you lie flat, mucus can accumulate in your throat, triggering a cough reflex. To prevent this from happening, elevate your head by propping up your pillows or adding a wedge pillow to your bed. Elevating your head will keep mucus from settling in your throat, reducing the likelihood of coughing.

5. Try an Expectorant

Robitussin and Mucinex are popular over-the-counter expectorants that can help reduce your cough. Expectorants act to thin mucus, making it easier to cough up and clear from your throat.

6. Take a cough suppressant medicine

Several cough suppressants are available over-the-counter to help you stop coughing at night. For instance, dextromethorphan is a good cough suppressant. Be sure to follow your pharmacist’s directions and never take more than the recommended dosage.

7. Try a nasal saline spray

Using a nasal saline spray before bed can help keep your nose clear and reduce postnasal drip, a common cause of coughing at night. Nasal saline sprays can help to thin secretions and reduce their thickness, making it easier to clear them out of your nose and throat.

8. Avoid Irritants

If you have a persistent cough, it is essential to avoid irritants that can worsen your symptoms. This includes tobacco smoke, dust, and pollution. You can also try using an air purifier to filter out any irritants in your home.

9. Use Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies can help to soothe your cough and promote better sleep. These include:

• Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your throat and reduce coughing.
• Turmeric milk: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce coughing and improve your immune system.
• Saltwater gargle: Gargling with salt water can help to reduce inflammation in your throat and ease your cough.

10. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important when you’re trying to stop coughing at night. When you’re dehydrated, your throat can become dry and irritated, making it more likely that you’ll cough. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help to keep your throat moist and reduce the chance of coughing.

References

• That Nagging Cough. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/that-nagging-cough
• 13 Ways to Get Rid of Your Cold or Cough. Mayor Boss