5 Ways to Combat Nighttime Coughing
With respiratory illnesses surging, many of our patients are experiencing persistent coughs. Nighttime coughing can make it difficult to both fall and stay asleep, so we’ve highlighted a few tips to help combat your cough so you can rest easy.
Make a cup of SageMED’s Immunitea before bed. The ginger in Immunitea acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, while the honey and lemon help to soothe the throat.
Use a humidifier. Humidifiers help to add moisture to the air. Preliminary research suggests that using cool-mist humidifers can help ease coughing and congestion (Mayo Clinic, 2021).
Elevate your head. If you’re congested, laying down flat at night can contribute to post-nasal drip (when mucus drains from the nose to the throat) which can aggravate coughing. Add an extra pillow or two to create an incline and elevate your head overnight.
Use a menthol or honey throat lozenge before bed. This can be a great option to help minimize coughing and discomfort prior to sleep - just make sure and brush your teeth after you use a lozenge - your dentist will thank you.
Consider taking an over the counter cough suppressant. If your cough is really persistent, a cough suppressant might be the best way to ensure you get a good night’s sleep and give your body time to rest and recover.
References
Mayo Clinic. (2021, July 2). Warm-mist versus cool-mist humidifier: Which is better for a cold? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/cool-mist-humidifiers/faq-20058199