What To Do When You Can't Stop Coughing At Night

Tired of persistent coughing during the night? It can be so frustrating and really wreck a good night's sleep! Nighttime coughing (aka nocturnal cough) is usually a symptom of an underlying disease such as asthma, bronchitis, or a respiratory infection, according to Medical News Today. If you have some kind of digestive issues such as acidity or GERD, it may also contribute to night coughing. Similarly, these episodes may be triggered by allergenic compounds present in your environment, such as dust, mold, mattress mites, etc. At times, these coughing bouts may disappear after awhile but other times the episodes may last longer.

A StatPearls publication in 2022 explained that nighttime coughing occurs when the body automatically wants to get rid of a particle or substance that may be causing irritability in the air passage, including the bronchia, trachea, and larynx. If the nocturnal cough remains persistent and doesn't go away on its own, you may need to visit a doctor or try some soothing home remedies to ease the cough.

If you suspect your nighttime cough is triggered by allergens then you may want to watch out for allergens in the space where you rest, per Healthline. This means you may want to get rid of your old mattress or pillow that could be riddled with dust mites or mildew. The best thing to do is give your bedsheet and blanket a proper shake off to get rid of allergens before bedtime. Secondly, you may want to address mold in your bedroom, as it often contributes to respiratory problems. It's also good to cleanse your rugs and curtains periodically as they are home to a variety of allergens, explains Healthline.

An instant nighttime cough-relieving technique is tea mixed with honey, according to Medical News Today. Some people also go for OTC cough-suppressing syrups or pills that are fast acting and help alleviate symptoms. Everyday Health also recommends gargling with salt water before going to bed to reduce the risk of nocturnal cough. Experts believe it can help get rid of irritants lodged in the throat.