Why Does My Throat Hurt When I Wake Up?

Why does my throat hurt when I wake up? Waking up with a sore throat can be an unpleasant start to your day. There are several reasons this might happen, and understanding them can help you find relief or prevent it from happening again.

Common Causes of Morning Throat Pain

1. Dry Air

Dry air is a frequent cause of morning throat soreness. When you sleep, your throat can become dry, especially if the air in your room lacks humidity. This dryness irritates the throat, leading to discomfort when you wake up.

2. Breathing Through Your Mouth

You might be breathing through your mouth while you sleep, particularly if you have nasal congestion. Mouth breathing dries out the throat more than nose breathing, causing soreness in the morning.

3. Allergies

Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger allergic reactions, including a sore throat. If you’re allergic to something in your bedroom, such as your pillow, bedding, or even dust, this might be the cause.

4. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can make stomach acid flow back into your throat while you’re sleeping. This acid irritates the throat, leading to pain when you wake up.

5. Snoring or Sleep Apnea

Both snoring and sleep apnea can cause your throat to become dry or irritated due to the way air moves through your throat during sleep.

6. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can result in dehydration, which, in turn, can make your throat feel dry and sore in the morning.

7. Infections

Throat infections, like a cold or the flu, can cause throat pain. If this is the reason, you’ll likely experience other symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, or fever.

8. Tobacco Use or Exposure to Smoke

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke may irritate your throat, leading to soreness, especially noticeable in the morning.

How to Alleviate Morning Throat Pain

1. Humidify Your Room

Adding a humidifier to your bedroom actually helps keep the air moist and reduce throat dryness.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

3. Manage Allergies

If allergies are the issue, consider hypoallergenic bedding, regular cleaning to reduce allergens, and possibly allergy medications.

4. Treat Acid Reflux

If you suspect acid reflux, lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime, and sleeping with your head elevated can help. In some cases, you might need medication.

5. Adjust Sleeping Habits

If you’re a mouth breather, try nasal strips or other remedies to encourage nose breathing. For snoring or sleep apnea, a visit to a doctor might be necessary for more specific treatment.

6. Avoid Tobacco and Smoke

Steering clear of cigarettes and smoke can significantly reduce throat irritation.

When to See a Doctor

If your sore throat is persistent, accompanied by other symptoms, or severe, it’s essential to see a doctor. They can diagnose the cause and recommend suitable treatment.

Keeping track of any other symptoms you’re experiencing and how often the sore throat occurs can be helpful information for your doctor.

Further Reading: Here’s Why Your Throat Is Itchy At Night