Do you cough so hard at night that it wakes you up? You lie in bed, trying to calm down, but the nagging cough keeps you from falling asleep again and again. This unpleasant problem can disturb not only your sleep, but also your overall well-being the next day. What if the coughing fit comes at night?
A night cough can have many causes. From dry air in the bedroom, through allergies, reflux to colds or irritation of the respiratory tract. But if you want to get rid of this problem as quickly as possible and sleep peacefully, there are several proven tricks that can help you.
Watch the video from Lucie Křížková’s YT channel – Tips for treating colds and coughs
Source: Youtube
The first step is to try a simple solution: clear the airways. It helps if you position your head higher, for example by adding another pillow. Lying in an elevated position reduces pressure on the neck and makes breathing easier.
If you have a warm drink on hand, such as herbal tea or warm water with honey, enjoy it in small sips. Honey can soothe irritated mucous membranes and create a delicate protective film.
Another effective method is to humidify the air in the room. If you feel that your cough is irritating due to dry air, try using a humidifier. If you don’t have one, improvisation will suffice. Hang a wet towel near the bed or leave a bowl of warm water steaming in the room. The humidity in the air helps to soothe the mucous membranes and makes breathing easier.
If the cough still won’t let you go, try rinsing your throat with salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle. This method relieves irritation and helps remove possible impurities from the upper respiratory tract.
If your cough has been bothering you for a long time, it may be a symptom of reflux, when stomach juices return to the throat and irritate the mucous membranes. In this case, it is a good idea to avoid heavy meals before bed and try to sleep in an elevated position.
Another option is steam inhalation before bed. A hot shower or inhalation over a bowl of hot water can help moisten the airways, loosen mucus and relieve coughing.
For those who suffer from allergies, it is important to remove triggers. Wash bedding regularly, avoid direct contact with dust and consider using an air purifier. If you’re not sure what’s causing a nighttime cough, seeing a doctor may be necessary, especially if it lasts more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever.
Source: webmd.com, healthline.com
