Can't sleep because of a cough that comes at night? Let's talk about how to get rid of this problem! (Nighttime Cough)

Do you have a bad cough that starts at night when you go to bed without any problems? When you cough all the time, you can't sleep, let alone close your eyes, right? This is a really annoying problem for many people. When you can't sleep well, your body doesn't get enough rest and the healing process is delayed. So today, let's talk about why this cough increases at night, and what we can do to get rid of it.

Why does coughing only get worse at night?

There can be several reasons why coughing gets worse at night. Sometimes it's not as simple as you think. Let's take a look at the main reasons.

1. Postnasal drip

This is the most common cause of nighttime coughing. Just think, when we stand and sit all day, the mucus that builds up in our nose and throat easily goes down, to our stomach, due to gravity. We don't even realize it.

But when we lie down at night, this mucus starts to collect at the back of our throat instead of going down. It's like a blocked drain. This is what we call ``Postnasal Drip''. The mucus that collects in this way irritates and clogs the throat, causing a cough. This is why we wake up in the morning feeling like our throat is scratched.

2. A severe case of gastritis (GERD)

Many people don't know that there is a connection between cough and gastritis. We call this `(Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - GERD)`. Simply put, this is when the acidic stomach acid flows back up, that is, along the esophagus, into the throat.

When we stand, gravity keeps this acid in the stomach. But when we tilt, like turning a bottle on its side, this acid can easily get into the throat. When this acid hits the throat, it irritates it and causes a persistent dry cough.

3. Lung-related problems

Sometimes, even when there is a lung infection, coughing can get worse at night. Inside our lungs, there are very small hair-like structures called `Cilia` . Their job is to push the unwanted mucus in the lungs up and out. When we are lying down, it is easier for these `Cilia` to do their job. So, when they try to get the mucus out, our body helps them by coughing.

4. Other reasons

• Allergies and Asthma: If you have allergies to things like dust, cobwebs, and pet dander, these things in your bedroom can make you cough more at night. Asthma sufferers can also experience increased coughing at night due to airway sensitivity.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure, can cause a dry cough as a side effect.
• Heart Failure: When the heart fails, fluid can accumulate in the lungs and cause a cough. This is exacerbated by coughing.

12 home remedies for nighttime cough

If your cough is not severe, you can try these simple things below. But remember, if your cough persists or you have other serious symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

1. Sleep with your head elevated: This is the easiest and most effective method. Sleep with two or three pillows and keep your head and shoulders elevated. This is a good solution for both `(Postnasal Drip)` and `(GERD)`.

2. Use honey: Honey is a natural cough medicine. It reduces the feeling of a sore throat and the frequency of coughing. Mix a teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lime in a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed at night.

• Important: Never give honey to babies under one year old.

3. Drink plenty of water and fluids: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will thin the mucus and make it easier to flush out of the body. It is also good to eat fruits that have a high water content, such as watermelon and pineapple.

4. Inhale hot steam: Close the bathroom doors, turn on the hot shower, and inhale the steam for a few minutes. This will help reduce the tightness and congestion in your nose and throat, and provide great relief from phlegm.

5. Snort Cough Drops: These are a temporary solution for a sore throat and dry cough. When inhaled, they increase saliva production in the mouth, helping to keep the throat moist.

6. Be careful about dinner: If you suspect you have gastritis (GERD), eat dinner at least 3 hours before bedtime . Avoid eating oily, spicy, chili-heavy foods, chocolate, and coffee at night.

7. Use a humidifier: If the air in your room is too dry, it can irritate your throat and cause coughing. If possible, use a humidifier to keep the humidity in the room between 40%-50%.

8. Reduce allergens: Wash bedding and pillowcases regularly in hot water. Vacuum the room thoroughly to remove dust. If possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. It is also a good idea to keep pets out of the bedroom.

9. OTC (Over-the-Counter) Medicines:

• An antihistamine can help with postnasal drip caused by allergies.
• An antacid that reduces stomach acid may help with a cough caused by GERD.
• However, do not use any medication without consulting a doctor, especially if you have other medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure).

10. Gargle with salt water: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with that water several times to reduce throat pain and itching.

11. Ginger Tea: Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. Drinking a tea made by grating a piece of ginger and steeping it in hot water at night can help relieve a cough.

12. Be careful when giving medicine to children: Avoid giving cough syrups purchased from pharmacies to children under 4 years of age without the advice of a doctor.

When should we see a doctor?

If home remedies do not relieve your cough, or if you have any of the following serious symptoms, please see a doctor without delay.

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