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When you get over a cold or the flu, you can fall into a trap hellish cycle where sleep is needed to recover but sleep is lost due to persistent symptoms. Even after yours cough has disappeared during the day, it often creeps back up at night and makes you (and all the others in your household) miserable. Here’s why your cough persists at night and what you can do to find some relief.
Why we cough more at night
The reason your cough returns full force when it’s time for bed is most likely due to postnasal drip, which often accompanies the common cold Flu, allergies and sinus infections. Postnasal drip is when more mucus than normal runs down the back or throat instead of coming out of the nose. This makes it feel like you have to constantly clear your throat (or chop up a lung). That means it’s not the setting sun that’s making your cough worse; you are lying on your back
Tips to control your cough
Even if the following tips may notIf you don’t get rid of your cough right away, they should help you find some relief. All tips are scientifically based and compiled from the sleep foundation and the National Library of Medicine. These tips apply to adults through young children and assume you are a non-smoker. (If you smoke, the first step to curing your cough is to stop smoking.)
Sleep on a slope
If postnasal drip is the culprit behind your cough, then try supporting your head and neck with some pillows. Also, try sleeping on your side, as lying on your back will only help mucus run straight down your throat (not ideal).
tea and honey
Before you buy cough medicine, you should consider proven home remedies. Warm liquids like tea or soup help loosen mucus to reduce yours constipation and makes swallowing easier if you have a sore throat. The warm temperature provides relief, so don’t fret over the choice between chamomile and mint tea.
A spoonful of honey can also bring relief. one to learn even found Honey was more effective in curbing nighttime cough than regular over-the-counter cough suppressant. Add honey to your tea or mix a tablespoon or two in a glass of warm water.
steam and moisture
While dry air strains your sinuses, steam supplies your airways with much-needed moisture. Take an extra-hot, steamy shower right before bed, or run a humidifier throughout the night.
OTC cough medicine
With over-the-counter you know that oppressor reduce your urge to cough while expectorants thin mucus and facilitate expulsion. But when you buy cough medicine, remember that coughing has a purpose. That The Sleep Foundation points this out Some medical experts warn against overuse of coughing Suppressive drugs could affect how long it takes a person to recover. In other words, too much Cough medicines can make your cough take longer to work its magic.
If you find that cough suppressants help you sleep, it may be worth using in moderation (taking into account the possible side effects). And for a dry cough, a cough drop or lozenge may be enough to calm the cough reflex so you can fall asleep.
A prescription for antibiotics
Another reason for your cough could be a sinus infection (which in turn causes postnasal drip).. See a doctor and get prescription antibiotics to clear the infection.
When to talk to a doctor
A cold or flu cough usually lasts about seven to 10 days. If your cough or cold symptoms last beyond this period, or feel particularly severe, it may be time to see a doctor.
If your cough is being made worse by asthma, seasonal allergies, or other conditions, you may also need to treat those conditions to relieve your cough.
Finally as I’ve guessed before: If you’re looking for tea recommendations, I swear by ginger turmeric. It will relieve your cough and calm your Soul.
