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Tips for Reducing Persistent Night Coughs

A nighttime cough can disrupt sleep and signal an underlying issue.

Common culprits include postnasal drip, where mucus accumulates in the throat while lying down, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which allows stomach acid to irritate the vocal cords.

Certain medications, like ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril), can also trigger a nighttime cough.

Fortunately, several Home Remedies for Cough at Night such as gargling with salt water, drinking warm herbal tea, and using a humidifier, can offer relief.

We’ll explore these and other helpful strategies in the following sections.

Causes of Nighttime Coughing

Common causes of nighttime cough include:

Postnasal drip: This means that mucus drips from the sinuses towards the throat, where it collects due to sleeping in a horizontal position, causing irritation to the vocal cords and larynx, causing coughing. This can happen as a result of allergies or colds, where symptoms appear clearly during the night.
Gastroesophageal reflux: Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, especially while lying down, causing throat irritation. This is made worse if you have consumed coffee, alcohol, or a heavy meal before bed.
Allergies: Such as allergies to pollen, animal fur, or dust.

Other causes:

Asthma.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Certain types of cancer.
Smoking.
Some medications. (StatPearls, n.d.)

Natural Solutions for Better Sleep

Here are some home remedies for cough at night to get better sleep:

Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially warm water with lemon or honey before bed.
Use a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom to soothe a dry cough.
Elevate your head with extra pillows or a wedge pillow to prevent mucus from pooling in your throat.
Drink warm tea, broth, or soup before bed.
Honey is the best throat soother and helps treat coughs.
Take a hot shower or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water to loosen mucus.
Drink tea with soothing properties such as chamomile, ginger, or peppermint.
Use a nasal saline spray to clear your nasal passages and reduce postnasal drip.
If your cough is related to acid reflux, avoid foods that trigger symptoms such as spicy foods, chocolate, or caffeine before bed.
Incorporating bromelain-rich pineapple into your diet can help loosen mucus.
Good ventilation in your bedroom and maintaining a comfortable temperature will help you sleep well.

If the cough persists, consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. (MedicineNet, n.d.)

Tips for Reducing Persistent Night Coughs

Here are some tips to reduce a persistent nighttime cough:

Stay hydrated, drink fluids to thin mucus and soothe a sore throat.
Use a humidifier to help break up mucus and make it easier to swallow.
Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to keep stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
Take over-the-counter cough suppressants.
Try a nasal decongestant to clear a stuffy nose and sinuses.
Take an antihistamine to stop sneezing and runny nose.
Suck on a menthol or honey-flavored lozenge before bed.
Inhale steam from a hot shower or tea kettle before bed.
Try aromatherapy, inhale eucalyptus steam or scent your room with eucalyptus oil.
Sleeping on your side can help reduce irritation from a dry cough.
Avoid spicy and fatty foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, especially before bed.
You should see a doctor if your cough lasts for eight weeks or more, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, or coughing up blood.