1. Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids is essential for staying hydrated and combating coughing at night. When you’re dehydrated, your throat can become irritated, leading to coughing. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, which will help keep your throat moist and reduce coughing.
2. Avoid irritants
Smoke, pollution, and other irritants can aggravate your cough and make it worse. If you smoke, try to quit, or at least avoid smoking before bedtime. You should also avoid exposure to environmental irritants, such as dust, mold, and pet dander, which can trigger allergies and lead to coughing.
3. Elevate your head
Elevating your head while sleeping can help alleviate nighttime coughing. When you lie down flat, mucus can accumulate in your throat, leading to coughing. You can elevate your head by using an extra pillow or raising the head of your bed by a few inches.
4. Use a humidifier
Dry air can irritate your throat and exacerbate your cough. A humidifier can help add moisture to the air and alleviate nighttime coughing. You should also make sure that your bedroom isn’t too dry by using a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels.
5. Take a hot shower
Taking a hot shower before bed can help alleviate nighttime coughing. The steam from the shower can help moisten your throat and loosen mucus in your airways, making it easier to breathe.
6. Try over-the-counter cough medicine
Over-the-counter cough medicine can help alleviate nighttime coughing. Look for cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan, which can help reduce coughing. You can also try cough drops or lozenges, which can help soothe your throat.
7. Address underlying health issues
If your nighttime coughing is caused by an underlying health issue, such as asthma or acid reflux, it’s important to address these issues to alleviate your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or other therapies.
In conclusion, nighttime coughing can interfere with your sleep and lead to further health issues if left untreated. There are several ways to alleviate nighttime coughing, including drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants, elevating your head while sleeping, using a humidifier, taking a hot shower, trying over-the-counter cough medicine, and addressing underlying health issues. By taking these steps, you can reduce your nighttime coughing and get the restful sleep you need.