How to calm coughing during the night

Coughing can be quite bothersome, especially when it disrupts your sleep at . The constant not only disturbs your rest but can also be a source of frustration. Thankfully, there are several and remedies you can try to calm ing and get a good night’s sleep. In this article, we will explore some effective techniques to alleviate nighttime coughing.

1. Create a Calm Environment: First and foremost, ensure your bedroom is conducive to relaxation and sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Use a white noise machine or a fan to drown out any background noise. This peaceful atmosphere will help calm your coughing and promote better sleep.

2. Elevate Your Head: By propping up your head and upper body, you can help postnasal drip, a common cause of nighttime coughing. Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to elevate your head while sleeping. This way, mucus won’t collect in your throat, reducing the urge to cough.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential when dealing with a cough. It helps to thin the mucus and soothe an irritated throat. Have a glass of warm water or herbal tea before bed to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid caffeinated beverages or alcohol as they can dehydrate your body.

4. Humidify the Air: Dry air can exacerbate coughing, so it’s essential to maintain a humid environment. Use a humidifier in your bedroom or place a bowl of water near the radiator or heating vent. This will add moisture to the air, preventing your throat and airways from drying out.

5. Gargle with Salt Water: To temporarily relieve a cough and soothe your throat, try gargling with warm salt water before bed. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. Spit out the water and repeat a few times. The saltwater solution helps reduce throat inflammation and loosen mucus.

6. Honey and Lemon: Mixing a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice in warm water can provide relief from a nagging cough. Both honey and lemon have soothing properties that can ease throat irritation. Sip this concoction before bedtime to soothe your throat and promote better sleep.

7. Avoid Trigger Foods: Certain foods can worsen coughing, especially if you have acid reflux. Spicy foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, and caffeine can all trigger acid reflux symptoms, leading to coughing. Avoid them, especially in the evenings, to minimize the chances of coughing the night.

8. Use a Cough Suppressant: Over-the-counter cough suppressants can help alleviate nighttime coughing. Look for cough syrups or lozenges that contain ingredients like dextromethorphan or menthol. These medications can help calm your cough, allowing you to sleep more comfortably.

9. Steam Inhalation: A hot shower or steam inhalation can provide temporary relief from coughing. The steam helps to loosen mucus and soothe your respiratory passages. Before bed, spend a few minutes inhaling the steam from a bowl of hot water or take a relaxing hot shower to calm your coughing.

10. Seek Medical Advice: If your nighttime cough persists for more than a few weeks or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult your healthcare professional. They can evaluate the underlying cause of your cough and prescribe appropriate medication or treatment.

In conclusion, coughing during the night can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. By creating a calm environment, elevating your head, staying hydrated, and using home remedies such as honey, lemon, and saltwater gargles, you can effectively calm coughing and have a restful night’s sleep. If the cough persists, seeking medical advice is always recommended.