How to sleep with a cough
Tips for sleeping with a cough
The common cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion or coughing can be very annoying and make it difficult to fall asleep. Especially cough with intensities at night can make it difficult to fall asleep or even wake you up. Here we explain what can cause a cough at night and how to get a better sleep with a cough.
What can cause coughing at night?
There are several things which can cause or intensify your cough at night, they include:
- Dry air
Dry air makes your throat itchy which makes you cough. - Mucus
Mucus in your airways can make you cough. - Allergy
You may be allergic to dust mites which are living in your bedding, pillows and mattress. Because of this you may be coughing, sneezing or have a blocked nose. - Reflux
Reflux can also cause a night cough.
Why are coughs worse at night?
During the day when you’re sitting or standing up the mucus from your nose trickles down at the back of your throat. When you’re lying down, the mucus gets stuck and triggers coughing.
How can I sleep better with a cough?
Now as we know the main reasons why you may be coughing at night, let’s look at the solutions. Here tips on how you can get better sleep with a cough and how you can reduce your coughing at night.
Tips for sleeping better with a cough
Use a humidifier
Make sure the air in your bedroom isn’t dry by using a humidifier. Preventing the air from becoming dry will help you avoid your airways drying out and becoming itchy, which may be a reason for your night cough.
Clear your airways
To clear your airways, take a warm shower or bath before sleep. This will loosen up the phlegm, so it will be easier to clear your airways.
Drink a lot of liquids
Stay hydrated, so your airways will be too. One of the best ways to keep your throat hydrated is drinking herbal tea with honey. (Black tea has the opposite effect – it dries out your throat).
Elevate your head
Stuck a couple of pillows under your head and neck. If you keep your head slightly elevated, the mucus can still keep trickling down while you’re asleep.
Use Vapour rub
Rub some Vapour rub in your chest for better breathing.
Use nasal spray
Nasal decongestants help to open up the nasal passages and decrease mucus drip, which reduces coughing at night.
Use nasal strips
Nasal strips are the solution to congested sinuses. While your nose is congested, you breathe through the mouth. Because of this, your mouth gets dry and itchy causing a cough.
Keep bedding clean
By changing the bedding often you reduce the presence of dust mites living in it.
Stop smoking!
What is the best sleep position when you have a cough?
The best sleep position when you are sick or have a cough is with your head elevated above the chest level or on your side.
Is sleeping good when you are sick?
Absolutely! While a good night’s sleep boosts your immune system being the best defence against catching a cold as well as helps quick recovery, you certainly need a deep, undisturbed sleep when sick. That’s why it’s even more important to learn how to sleep with a cough when you are sick to help quick recovery.
What are your tricks to get better sleep with a cough? Share in the comments below!