If you get nighttime coughs, you may want to try a lozenge, a humidifier, or elevating your head or neck.

It’s late. You’d like to be sound asleep — but every time you begin to drift off, a cough jolts you awake again.

A nighttime cough can be disruptive and frustrating. You need to sleep so you can get the rest you need to fight your illness and function during the day. But your nagging cough won’t let you get the elusive sleep you so badly need.

So, what can you do to conquer your cough at night?

In this article, we’ll look at some possibilities you may want to consider for different types of coughs, including wet and dry coughs and those ticklish back-of-the-throat ones.

Wet coughs, which are sometimes called productive coughs, often involve excessive mucus in the chest, throat, and mouth.

Elevate your head and neck

Sleeping flat on your back or on your side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough.

To avoid this, stack a couple of pillows or use a wedge to lift your head and neck slightly. Avoid elevating your head too much, as this could lead to neck pain and discomfort.

Try an expectorant

Expectorants thin the mucus in your airways, making it easier to cough up phlegm.

The only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved expectorant in the United States is guaifenesin, which is marketed under brand names like Mucinex and Robitussin DM.

If your cough is caused by a cold or bronchitis, studies show that guaifenesin can be a safe and effective treatment.

Swallow a little honey

In one 2013 study, 1 1/2 tsp. of honey at bedtime helped some coughing children sleep more soundly. Note that the study was based on parent surveys, which aren’t always an objective measurement.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it isn’t safe to give honey to children under 1 year old because of the risk of botulism, which can be deadly.

Drink a warm beverage

A steamy, warm beverage may help soothe a throat that’s become irritated from coughing and also loosen up mucus.

Warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas, and broths are all good options. Be sure to finish drinking any beverage at least an hour before bedtime.

Take a hot shower

Steam from a warm shower may help loosen mucus in your chest and sinuses, clearing your airways.

Learn more about natural remedies for a wet cough.

Dry coughs may be related to conditions like GERD, asthma, postnasal drip, ACE inhibitors, and upper respiratory infections.

Less commonly, dry coughs could be caused by whooping cough.

Try a lozenge

Throat lozenges can be found at drugstores and retailers, and they come in an assortment of flavors.

Some have menthol to help open up your sinuses. Some contain vitamin C, and some include medications that can soothe a sore throat.

Whichever one you try, be sure to finish the lozenge before you lie down so you don’t choke on it. Avoid giving lozenges to young children as they can be a choking hazard.

Consider a decongestant

Decongestants can help dry up the postnasal drip that can cause that nagging nighttime cough.

Decongestants are not safe for people who have high blood pressure or children younger than 12.

Look into a cough suppressant

Cough suppressants, which are also known as antitussives, prevent coughing by blocking your cough reflex.

They can be helpful for dry nighttime coughs, as they may stop your cough reflex from being triggered while you sleep.

Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated is especially important when you’re feeling under the weather. Drinking fluids throughout the day can help keep your throat lubricated, which can help protect it from irritants and other coughing triggers.

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Just be sure to stop drinking fluids at least an hour before bedtime to avoid bathroom trips during the night.

Learn more about natural remedies for a dry cough.

If your cough is being caused by allergies or postnasal drip, you may be kept awake by an itchy or ticklish cough.

Use a humidifier

Air that’s too dry can irritate your throat and send you into a flurry of coughing.

One word of caution: Be careful not to overdampen the air. Allergens like dust mites and mold can worsen in wet air, and asthma can sometimes be exacerbated by dampness.

To make sure the humidity level in your sleeping space is at or near the recommended level of 50%, consider using a hygrometer to measure the exact level of moisture in the air.

Keep your bedding clean

The American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology recommends that you wash your sheets, mattress covers, blankets, and pillowcases in hot water at 130°F (54.4°C) or higher, once a week.

If you’re allergic to pet dander or pet saliva, it might be best to get your cuddles during the day and keep pets out of your bedroom at night.

Try an oral antihistamine

Consult with a healthcare professional about whether your cough would respond to an OTC or prescription medication that blocks your body’s production of histamines or acetylcholine, both of which stimulate coughing.

Learn more about natural remedies for a ticklish cough.

A cough can be caused by a wide variety of conditions and circumstances. If you understand the cause of your cough, it may be easier for you to choose an effective remedy.

These conditions and factors are all known to cause coughing:

If you’re not sure why you’re coughing, a doctor can order chest X-rays, lab tests, scope tests, or CT scans to find out what’s triggering your cough.

Consider getting a whooping cough vaccination, and if you smoke, know that quitting may improve your cough in as little as 8 weeks.

In most cases, a cough that’s caused by an infection or irritant will usually clear up within a few weeks with home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

But there may be times when a cough is more serious. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if:

Seek immediate medical attention if you have a cough and:

How do you stop coughing at night?

Elevating your head and neck and taking a cough suppressant can help reduce short-term coughing.

Identifying the underlying cause is key to resolving a chronic nighttime cough. Treatment options vary but often include OTC medications, consistent hydration, and avoiding contact with any irritants.

How should you lay down or position yourself to sleep when you have a cough?

Laying flat on your back, stomach, or side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, triggering a cough.

Keeping your head and neck elevated can help prevent this. Stack a couple of pillows or plush items to create an elevated surface to rest your head and neck on.

Why does a cough get worse at night?

It all comes back to gravity — at night, you’re typically lying down to sleep. Laying flat allows mucus to accumulate in your throat.

The overall air quality of your sleeping environment can also play a role, as you may have continued exposure to dust, pollen, and other irritants.

Can laying on your stomach help with a cough?

Laying on your stomach with your back end elevated may help drain your sinuses. But it’s unlikely to alleviate a cough.

A nighttime cough can be disruptive, but there are many effective treatments available to lessen its severity and duration so you can sleep more peacefully.

If your cough is caused by a cold, the flu, or allergies, you may be able to ease your cough by trying some simple home remedies or by taking OTC cough, cold, or allergy medications.

If your symptoms last longer than a few weeks or your symptoms worsen, consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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