Everyone has a cough from time to time. Coughing may also help remove germs from the lungs and prevent infection.
But when coughing occurs at nighttime, it can interrupt sleep and prevent a person from getting a good night’s rest.
Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve coughing at night, including medication, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
1. Try a humidifier: A humidifier machine may help if the coughing is caused by dry air. There is a selection of humidifiers available for purchase online.
2. Drink tea with honey: Hot tea with honey can soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and loosen mucus.
3. Elevate the head: Coughing often becomes worse at night because a person is lying flat in bed. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing. A person can prop up the head of their bed using a few pillows or a back wedge. A change in sleep position can allow mucus to flow without causing coughing.
4. Gargle with warm salt water before bed: Salt water can ease a sore or irritated throat. It can also help remove mucus from the back of the throat.
5. Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes is a frequent cause of a long-term cough. Quitting smoking will help decrease coughing over time, although it will not stop the problem overnight.