How to Sleep With Cough? Top 10 Tips for Restful Sleep

Do you have trouble sleeping when you have a cough or a cold? You are not alone.

Many people experience sleep problems when they are sick, especially if they have a persistent or annoying cough that keeps them awake at night. A good night’s sleep is essential for your health and well-being, especially when you are fighting an infection.

But how to sleep with a cough and get the rest you need?

In this blog post, we will explain why cough and cold affect your sleep, what types of coughs are worse at night, and how to treat them. We will also share with you the top 10 tips to sleep with a cough and cold, including the best sleep positions to stop coughing.

Finally, we will tell you when to see a healthcare provider if your cough does not improve or gets worse.

Why Can’t I Sleep When I Have a Cold?

When you have a dry cough and cold, your immune system is working hard to fight off the virus that causes it. This can cause inflammation in your nose, throat, and lungs, which can lead to congestion, mucus production, and coughing.

These symptoms can make it hard for you to breathe, swallow, and clear your throat, which can interfere with your sleep quality and quantity.

Additionally, when you have a cold, your body temperature may rise, which can make you feel hot and sweaty, or shiver and feel cold. These changes can also disrupt your sleep cycle and make you feel uncomfortable.

Furthermore, when you have a cold, you may experience other symptoms such as headache, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue, which can also affect your mood, energy, and motivation. These factors can make it harder for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed.

Here we have mentioned a few important causes that may lead to dry coughing at night.

Causes

1. Dry Air: “Dry air, like in the winter, can irritate your nose, throat, and airway, making it itchy and naturally making you want to cough,” says Dr. Atoyebi.
2.  Medications: Some medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers can trigger asthma symptoms, including coughing at night.
3. Postnasal Drip: “Lying down can allow the mucus drainage to slide down into your throat, which will activate your coughing reflex,” warns Dr. Kathleen Dass.
4. Respiratory Conditions: Conditions like asthma, COPD, pertussis, and pneumonia can lead to nighttime coughing. Air irritants may cause coughing in asthma, while COPD may involve coughing due to mucus.
5. Sleep Position: Your sleeping position, especially lying on your back (supine position), can make it harder for your body to clear airways, worsening nighttime cough.
6. Upper Airway Conditions: Conditions like acid reflux and GERD can result in a dry cough at night. Further Dr. Dass explains, “If you have acid reflux or GERD, that loss of gravity means the acid can come back up your esophagus, which can make you cough.”
7. Sleep Apnea:     Sleep apnea can contribute to nighttime coughing as it disrupts normal breathing patterns during sleep. The pauses in breathing characteristic of sleep apnea can lead to a drop in oxygen levels, causing the body to react by coughing to restore normal airflow. Additionally, the strain on the respiratory system can result in increased sensitivity, making individuals more prone to incessant dry cough and cold.

Why is Cough Worse at Night? Science Explained

Cough and cold can affect your sleep in several ways, depending on the type and severity of your symptoms.

Here are some of the most common ways that cough and cold can impact your sleep at night.

• Coughing can interrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up frequently, or preventing you from falling asleep in the first place. Coughing can also irritate your throat and chest, and make you feel thirsty, which can make you get up to drink water or take medication. Coughing can also affect your partner’s sleep, if you share a bed with someone.
• Congestion can block your nasal passages and make it harder for you to breathe through your nose. This can force you to breathe through your mouth, which can dry out your mouth and throat, and increase your risk of snoring and sleep apnea. Congestion can also cause pressure and pain in your sinuses, which can make you feel uncomfortable and restless.
• Mucus can accumulate in your throat and lungs, and make you feel the need to clear your throat or cough. Mucus can also drip down from your nose to your throat, which can cause a tickling sensation and trigger a cough reflex. Mucus can also affect your sense of smell and taste, which can reduce your appetite and enjoyment of food and drinks.
• Inflammation can cause swelling and redness in your nose, throat, and lungs, which can make you feel sore and tender. Inflammation can also increase your sensitivity to stimuli, such as light, sound, and touch, which can make you more prone to disturbances and awakenings.

How Cough and Cold Affect Your Sleep!

Cough is a natural reflex that helps you clear your airways of irritants, such as dust, smoke, allergens, or mucus. However, some types of coughs are worse at night, and can make it harder for you to sleep. Here are some of the most common types of coughs that can affect your sleep:

Types of Coughs

1. Dry cough and cold

This type of cough does not produce any mucus or phlegm. It is often caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or the flu, or by environmental factors, such as dry air, pollution, or smoke. Dry cough can be irritating and painful, and can make your throat feel scratchy and raw. Dry cough can also trigger a vicious cycle, where coughing makes your throat more inflamed, which makes you cough more, and so on.

2. Wet cough

This type of cough produces mucus or phlegm. It is often caused by bacterial infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, or by chronic conditions, such as asthma or COPD. Wet cough can be productive and helpful, as it helps you expel the excess mucus from your lungs. However, wet cough can also be annoying and exhausting, and can make you feel heavy and congested. Wet cough can also increase your risk of developing a secondary infection, such as a sinus infection or an ear infection.

3. Ticklish cough

This cough is triggered by a tickling sensation in your throat. It is often caused by postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips down from your nose to your throat, or by allergies, such as hay fever or dust mites.

Beyond the familiar dry, wet, and ticklish coughs associated with colds, flu, or allergies, several distinctive types of coughs exist.

4. Whooping cough

One such type is the “whooping cough,” characterized by a distinctive “whoop” sound, often indicative of a bacterial infection.

5. Barking cough

This type of cough resembles the sound of a bark, particularly common in children.

6. Wheezing cough

Additionally, a “wheezing cough” may occur when airways are obstructed due to infections or chronic conditions like asthma, producing a wheezing sound during coughing episodes.

Recognizing these variations of cough is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Treatments & Home Remedies – Cough and Cold

How To Stop Dry Coughing At Night?

To combat uncontrollable coughing at night, you can adopt several strategies. Start by staying well-hydrated, as fluids can help soothe the throat and alleviate irritation. Consider using a humidifier in your bedroom in dry environments. Further elevate your head while sleeping by using extra pillows and comfortable bedding.

For more tips to relieve dry cough and cold at night, read on.

• Relieve Dry Cough

Dry coughing at night can be annoying and painful, and can prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. There are several ways to treat dry cough at night, depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

Some of the most common and effective methods are:

1. Suck on cough drops or lozenges

These can soothe your throat and prevent irritation. They can also stimulate saliva production, which can help lubricate your throat and reduce coughing. Choose cough drops or lozenges that contain menthol, eucalyptus, honey, or lemon, as these ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

2. Use a humidifier or a vaporizer

These devices add moisture to the air, which can help thin out the mucus in your throat and lungs, and make it easier to cough it up. They can also prevent your throat from drying out or inflamed and thereby relieve from dry cough and cold. Make sure to clean your humidifier or vaporizer regularly to avoid bacteria and mold growth.

3. Drink warm liquids

Warm liquids, such as tea, soup, or broth, can hydrate your throat and loosen the mucus in your airways. This is one easy yet effective home remedy for a cough and cold. Warm liquids can also provide relief from soreness and irritation. You can add honey, lemon, ginger, or turmeric to your warm liquids, as these ingredients have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

4. Take doctor prescribed Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications

OTC medications, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, antihistamines, or decongestants, are some drugs for cough and cold that can help reduce your cough and ease your symptoms. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have a chronic condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other drugs. You should also follow the dosage instructions and avoid taking more than the recommended amount.

5. Using natural remedies

There are many natural remedies that can help you stop dry cough and cold, such as honey, garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, peppermint, thyme, oregano, or licorice. These remedies have various properties that can soothe your throat, fight infection, reduce inflammation, and boost your immune system.

You can use them in different ways, such as eating them raw, making syrup, brewing a tea, or inhaling their vapors. However, you should be careful about possible side effects, allergies, or interactions with other medications. You should also consult your doctor before using any natural remedy, especially if you have a chronic condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other drugs.

How To Stop Wet Coughing At Night?

• Relieve Wet Cough

A wet cough is a type of cough that produces mucus or phlegm from the lungs. It is also called a productive cough because it helps clear the airways of excess mucus. A wet cough can be caused by various factors, such as a cold, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergies, asthma, GERD, smoking, or certain medications.

This type of recurrent cough can be annoying and disruptive, especially at night when it interferes with your sleep quality and duration. Sleeping well is important for your immune system and overall health, so you may want to try some natural remedies to relieve your wet cough and get a good night’s rest.

Here are some tips and cough and cold remedy at home that may help you stop wet coughing.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated can help thin out the mucus in your chest and make it easier to cough up. Drink water, herbal teas, soups, or warm liquids throughout the day and before bedtime. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and dairy products, as they can dehydrate you or increase mucus production.

2. Use a humidifier or a vaporizer.

Adding moisture to the air can soothe your throat and loosen the mucus in your lungs. You can use a cool-mist humidifier or a warm-mist vaporizer in your bedroom at night. Make sure to clean and disinfect the device regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold.

3. Take a steamy shower or bath

Another way to inhale moist air is to take a hot shower or bath before bed. The steam can help break up the mucus and relax your muscles. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, to the water for extra benefits. Eucalyptus and peppermint can also work as a home remedy for a cough and cold as it helps clear your sinuses and lungs, while lavender can help calm your nerves and promote sleep.

4. Use honey or cough drops

Honey is a natural cough suppressant and anti-inflammatory agent that can help soothe your throat and reduce coughing. You can take a teaspoon of honey before bed or mix it with lemon juice and warm water for a soothing drink. You can also use cough drops that contain honey, lemon, or herbs, such as sage, thyme, or menthol, to ease your cough and throat irritation. However, do not give honey to children under one year of age, as it can cause a serious infection called botulism.

5. Use an expectorant or a mucolytic

If your wet cough is very persistent and you have trouble coughing up the mucus, you may need to use an over-the-counter medication that can help thin and loosen the mucus. An expectorant, such as guaifenesin, is a drug for cough and cold that can help you cough up the mucus more easily. While a mucolytic, such as acetylcysteine, can help break down the mucus and make it less sticky.

Follow the directions on the label and consult your doctor before using any medicine for cough and cold, especially if you have a chronic condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

6. Elevate your head

Sleeping with your head slightly raised can help prevent the mucus from pooling in the back of your throat and triggering your cough reflex. You can use an extra pillow, a wedge, or a foam mattress topper to elevate your head and upper body. Alternatively, you can raise the head of your bed by placing blocks or books under the legs.

7. Avoid irritants and allergens

Some substances can irritate your throat and lungs and worsen your wet cough. These include smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, perfumes, and cleaning products. Try to avoid exposure to these irritants and allergens, especially at night. Keep your bedroom clean and well-ventilated, and use an air purifier or a HEPA filter if needed. You may also want to change your bedding and pajamas regularly, as they can harbor dust mites and other allergens.

8. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the main causes of chronic wet cough, as it damages your lungs and increases mucus production. Smoking can also impair your immune system and make you more prone to infections and inflammation. Quitting smoking can help improve your lung function and reduce your wet cough, as well as lower your risk of many serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. If you need help to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about the best options for you, such as nicotine replacement therapy, medication, counseling, or support groups.

These are some of the ways to stop recurring episodes of coughing at night. However, if your cough persists for more than two weeks, gets worse, or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or blood in your sputum, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

How to Ease a Ticklish Cough?

Shared below are a few ticklish cough and cold remedy at home.

1. Gargle with Saltwater

Perform a saltwater gargle four times daily to alleviate throat irritation and reduce ticklish cough symptoms.

2. Steam Twice a Day:

Take a hot bath or shower to inhale steam, providing moisture to the throat and relieving dryness associated with a ticklish cough.

3. Hot Soup and Tonic

Incorporate hot soup into your diet and try a tonic made with hot water, lemon juice, honey, and cayenne pepper for additional comfort.

4. Ginger Tea

Consume ginger tea, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to ease throat discomfort.

5. Hot Tea with Lemon or Honey

Enjoy hot tea infused with lemon or honey to soothe the throat and provide relief.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drink ample water to stay hydrated, avoiding caffeine which can contribute to dryness.

How to Sleep With a Cold and Stuffy Nose?

A cold and a stuffy nose can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may feel uncomfortable, congested, and restless. But there are some things you can do to improve your sleep quality and feel better in the morning. Here are some tips to help you sleep with a cold and a stuffy nose:

1. Elevate your head

Sleeping with your head raised can help your sinuses drain and reduce the pressure in your nose. You can use extra pillows, a wedge, or books to prop up your head and neck.

2. Use a humidifier or a vaporizer

Adding moisture to the air can soothe your nasal passages and thin the mucus in your nose. This can make it easier to breathe and cough up phlegm. You can also add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender to the water for extra relief.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated can help loosen the mucus in your nose and throat. It can also prevent dehydration, which can worsen your symptoms. Drink warm liquids like tea, soup, or water with honey and lemon to soothe your throat and ease your cough.

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you and interfere with your sleep quality. They can also make your nasal congestion worse by inflaming your blood vessels. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine at least 4 hours before bedtime.

5. Take a hot shower or a bath

Taking a hot shower or a bath can help you relax and clear your nasal passages. The steam can moisten your airways and loosen the mucus in your nose. You can also inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water with some salt or baking soda to relieve your congestion.

6. Use saline spray or rinse

Saline spray or rinse can help flush out the mucus and bacteria from your nose. It can also reduce the swelling and irritation in your nasal membranes. You can buy saline spray or rinse over the counter or make your own with salt and water. Use it as often as needed, especially before bed.

7. Try over-the-counter medications

Some over-the-counter medications can help you sleep better with a cold and a stuffy nose. For example, you can use decongestants to shrink the blood vessels in your nose and reduce the congestion. Another good cough and cold medicine is antihistamine that helps to dry up the mucus and make you drowsy. However, be careful not to overuse these medications, as they can have side effects and cause rebound congestion. Always follow the directions on the label and consult your doctor before taking any medication.

8. Use nasal strips or a chest rub

Nasal strips or a chest rub can help you breathe easier and sleep better. Nasal strips are adhesive strips that you stick on your nose to open up your nostrils. A chest rub is a topical ointment that you rub on your chest, throat, or back to relieve your cough and congestion. You can buy nasal strips or a chest rub over the counter or make your own with natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils.

All these remedies and cough and cold medicine in adults work to combat seasonal flu outbreaks. Let’s now discuss some common home remedies to relieve cough and cold in case you have children at home.

Home Remedy for Infant Cough and Cold

Infant dry cough and cold is a common problem that can make your baby uncomfortable and restless. They are usually caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. While there is no cure for a viral infection, you can try some home remedies to ease your baby’s symptoms and make him feel better. However, if your baby is younger than 3 months, you should always consult your doctor before trying any home remedy or trying any infant cough and cold medicine.

Here are some home remedies for infant cough and cold that you can try.

1. Nurturing and Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best medicine for your baby, as it contains antibodies and nutrients that can boost his immune system and fight off infections. Breastfeeding can also soothe your baby’s throat and prevent dry cough and cold. Try to breastfeed your baby more often when he is sick, and offer him some water if he is older than 6 months.

2. Using a humidifier or a vaporizer

Dry air can irritate your baby’s nose and throat, and make his cough and congestion worse. Using a humidifier or a vaporizer can add moisture to the air and help your baby breathe easier. You can also add a few drops of saline solution or eucalyptus oil to the water for extra relief. Make sure to clean the humidifier or vaporizer regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

3. Use a nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe

A nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe can help you clear your baby’s nose of mucus and make him more comfortable. You can use it along with some saline drops or spray to loosen the mucus and make it easier to remove. Gently squeeze the bulb, insert the tip into your baby’s nostril, and release the bulb to suck out the mucus. Repeat with the other nostril. Do this before feeding or sleeping to help your baby eat and sleep better.

4. Elevate your baby’s head

Elevating your baby’s head can help the mucus drain from his nose and sinuses, and reduce the pressure and inflammation. You can use a pillow, a towel, or a wedge to prop up your baby’s head and chest. However, do not put anything under your baby’s mattress, as this can create a suffocation hazard. Also, do not use pillows or blankets for babies younger than 1 year, as they can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

5. Give your baby a warm bath

A warm bath can help your baby relax and clear his nasal passages. The steam from the water can moisten his airways and loosen the mucus. You can also add some baking soda or oatmeal to the water to soothe your baby’s skin and reduce itching. After the bath, pat your baby dry and dress him in warm clothes.

6. Massage your baby

Massaging your baby can help him calm down and ease his discomfort. You can use some baby oil or lotion to gently rub your baby’s chest, back, feet, and hands. You can also use some menthol or camphor rubs for babies older than 3 months, but avoid applying them near your baby’s nose, mouth, or eyes. Massaging can also improve your baby’s blood circulation and immunity.

7. Offer your baby some honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your baby’s cough and throat. It can also act as a natural cough suppressant and soothe your baby’s irritation. However, honey is not safe for babies younger than 1 year, as it can cause botulism, a serious form of food poisoning. For older babies, you can give them a half teaspoon of honey mixed with some warm water or milk, or spread some honey on a piece of bread or a cracker.

Now that we have learnt about home remedies to treat infant cough and cold, let’s look at whether your sleep position can be a potential cause behind recurrent coughing.

Does Your Sleep Position Play a Role?

Sleep Positions to Stop Coughing

Your sleep position is the way you arrange your body when you sleep. It can affect your breathing, circulation, posture, and comfort. It can also influence how well you sleep and how you feel in the morning. Some sleep positions may be better or worse for certain health conditions, such as snoring, sleep apnea, back pain, acid reflux, or pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to choose a sleep position that suits your needs and preferences.

There are 3 main types of sleep positions: side, back, and stomach. Each of these positions has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your individual factors.

Here are some best positions to sleep with cough and tips to sleep with comfort.

1. Side Sleeping

Out of all the sleeping styles, side sleeping is the most common sleep position that can have many benefits. It can help reduce snoring and sleep apnea, as it keeps your airway open and prevents your tongue from falling back.

Further this aids to ease acid reflux, as it keeps your stomach below your esophagus. This helps to keep your spine aligned, as it maintains a natural curve and reduces pressure points.

However, side sleeping can also cause some problems, such as numbness, tingling, or pain in your arms, shoulders, or hips. It can also cause wrinkles and sagging on your face, as it presses your skin against the pillow.

To prevent these issues, you can use a firm pillow or a pillow top mattress that supports your head and neck, and a softer pillow between your knees to align your hips. You can also switch sides occasionally to avoid uneven stress on your body.

2. Back Sleeping

This is a comfortable and relaxing position, as it allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. It can also prevent facial wrinkles, as it does not compress your skin.

However, back sleeping can also have some drawbacks, especially if you have respiratory or digestive issues. It can worsen snoring and sleep apnea, as it allows your tongue and soft palate to collapse and block your airway. It can also aggravate acid reflux, as it allows your stomach contents to rise up to your esophagus.

To avoid these problems, you can use a wedge pillow or an adjustable bed to elevate your head and chest, and a small pillow under your knees to support your lower back. You can also avoid eating or drinking too much before bed, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can relax your throat muscles and increase acid production.

3. Stomach Sleeping

This position can be soothing and calming, as it can reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help prevent snoring and sleep apnea, as it keeps your airway clear and prevents your tongue from falling back.

However, stomach sleeping can also cause some issues, such as neck pain, back pain, and facial wrinkles. It can strain your neck, as it forces you to turn your head to one side. Your spinal alignment can also get affected as it does not support your natural curve.

To minimize these risks, you can use a thin pillow, a flat pillow under your pelvis and a firm mattress to lift your lower back. You can also try to switch to a side or back position, as stomach sleeping is generally not recommended by experts.

10 Best Tips to Sleep With Cough and Cold

A cough and a cold can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. You may feel congested, sore, and restless. However, sleep is important for your recovery, as it helps your immune system fight off the infection.

Therefore, you should try to improve your sleep quality and comfort by following these tips.

1. Tip 1: Keep your bedroom cool and dark

A cool and dark bedroom can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It can also prevent you from sweating and overheating, which can make you feel uncomfortable and restless. You can use curtains, blinds, or shades to block out any light sources.

2. Tip 2: Take over-the-counter medication

You can use a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce your fever and inflammation. You can also use a decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, to shrink your nasal passages and ease your breathing. Alternatively, you can use a cough suppressant, such as dextromethorphan or codeine, to quiet your cough and help you sleep.

However, be careful not to overuse these medications, as they can have side effects and cause rebound symptoms. Always follow the directions on the label and consult your doctor before taking any medication.

3. Tip 3: Use a humidifier or a vaporizer

Dry air can irritate your nose and throat, and make your cough and congestion worse. Adding moisture to the air can help you breathe easier and reduce your coughing. You can use a humidifier or a vaporizer to create a mist of warm or cool water in your bedroom. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender, to the water for extra relief. Make sure to clean the humidifier or vaporizer regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

4. Tip 4: Use a saline spray or rinse

Saline spray or rinse can help you clear your nose of mucus and bacteria. It can also reduce the swelling and irritation in your nasal membranes. You can buy saline spray or rinse over the counter or make your own with salt and water. Use it as often as needed, especially before bed.

5. Tip 5: Elevate your head and neck

Sleeping flat on your back or on your side can cause mucus to accumulate in your throat, which can trigger a cough. To avoid this, stack a couple of pillows or use a wedge to lift your head and neck slightly. This can help your sinuses drain and reduce the pressure in your nose.

6. Tip 6: Use a nasal strip or a chest rub

Nasal strips or chest rubs can help you breathe easier and sleep better. Nasal strips are adhesive strips that you stick on your nose to open up your nostrils. Chest rubs are topical ointments that you rub on your chest, throat, or back to relieve your cough and congestion. You can buy nasal strips or chest rubs over the counter or make your own with natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils.

7. Tip 7: Take a hot shower or a bath

Taking a hot shower or a bath can help you relax and clear your nasal passages. The steam can moisten your airways and loosen the mucus in your nose. You can also inhale the steam from a bowl of hot water with some salt or baking soda to relieve your congestion.

8. Tip 8: Swallow a little honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your cough and throat. It can also act as a natural cough suppressant and soothe your irritation. However, honey is not safe for children under 1 year old, as it can cause botulism, a serious form of food poisoning. For older children and adults, you can give them a half teaspoon of honey mixed with some warm water or milk, or spread some honey on a piece of bread or a cracker.

9. Tip 9: Avoid smoking

Smoking and secondhand smoke can worsen your cough and cold symptoms, as they can damage your lungs and irritate your throat. They can also increase your risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. If you smoke, try to quit or cut down. If you are exposed to secondhand smoke, avoid it as much as possible or wear a mask.

10. Tip 10: Drink a warm beverage before bed

A warm drink can soothe your throat, loosen your mucus, and relax your body. You can try herbal tea, hot water with honey and lemon, or broth. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and worsen your symptoms.

Best Tea for Cough and Cold

Tea is a popular beverage that can also provide some relief from cough and cold symptoms. Different types of tea have different benefits, depending on their ingredients and properties.

Some of the best teas for cough and cold are:

• Honey tea: Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can also soothe a sore throat. You can make honey tea by adding a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of hot water.
• Licorice root tea: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, which can help reduce inflammation and loosen mucus in the airways. Licorice root tea can be made by boiling chopped licorice root in water for about 10 minutes.
• Ginger tea: Ginger is a spicy root that can help fight infections and reduce nausea. Ginger tea can be made by slicing fresh ginger and steeping it in hot water for a few minutes. You can also add honey or lemon for extra flavor and benefits.
• Chamomile tea: Chamomile is a calming herb that can help you relax and sleep better. Chamomile tea can also ease an upset stomach and reduce inflammation in the throat. Chamomile tea can be made by steeping dried or fresh chamomile flowers in hot water for about 5 minutes2.
• Echinacea tea: Echinacea is a flower that can boost your immune system and help you fight off colds and flu. Echinacea tea can be made by steeping dried or fresh Echinacea leaves and flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes.

Drinking these cough and cold teas can help you stay hydrated, warm, and comfortable when you have a cough and cold. Keep yourself hydrated this flu season with some unique herbal tea varieties and build up on your immunity.

When to See a Healthcare Provider?

If you’re dealing with a persistent nighttime dry cough and cold, it can really disturb your sleep. Most coughs and colds are caused by viruses and go away on their own. But sometimes, they might be signs of more serious issues that need a doctor’s attention.

Here are situations when you should see a healthcare provider for your nighttime cough and cold:

• Your cough lasts more than three weeks or is getting worse
• You have fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue
• If your cough produces blood, pink/frothy mucus, or thick green/yellow mucus
• Cough causing chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble swallowing
• Symptoms include severe headache, stiff neck, ear pain, or sinus pressure
• Your cold symptoms aren’t get better after 10 days, or if you get frequent colds.

These signs could mean you have a bacterial infection, a chronic lung issue, a heart problem, or another condition needing treatment. Your healthcare provider can figure out the cause and recommend the right medicine or therapy. Don’t ignore or try to treat it yourself; symptoms might worsen. If you have these signs, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Summary

This is the season when many get affected by the common cold. Flu symptoms often worsen at night, preventing you from getting your daily dosage of sleep. Discover smart tips on how to sleep with cough in this comprehensive guide.

Uncover the reasons behind sleep disturbances during illness and the science explaining how cough and cold affects sleep. Find practical tips on stopping both dry and wet coughs, ease ticklish coughs, and follow our tips to sleep comfortable with a cold and stuffy nose. Finally learn how sleep positions can play a role and discover sleeping postures to alleviate coughing.

Keep yourself hydrated by sipping on herbal tea to finally doze off to sleep. Follow these simple tips and home remedies to glow up!

FAQs on How to Sleep With Cough and Cold

Q1. Can laying on your stomach help with a cough?

• Yes, lying on your stomach can aid a wet cough by promoting effective mucus drainage and preventing post-nasal drip. However, the most comfortable sleeping position is key.

Q2. Is sleeping upright better for a cough?

• Indeed, sleeping upright or elevating your head helps with a wet cough by reducing mucus pooling, improving breathing, and minimizing irritation leading to a cough.

Q3. Is it good to sleep when you have a cough?

• Absolutely, sleep is crucial for recovery, especially during illness. It allows the body to heal, making it important to prioritize rest when dealing with a cough.

Q4. How can I sleep better with an annoying cough?

• For better sleep with a cough, elevate your head and neck. Avoid lying flat on your back or side, as it may cause mucus accumulation and trigger coughing. Use pillows or a wedge to raise your head slightly.

Q5. Why does a cough worsen at night?

• The worsening of a cough at night is attributed to gravity. When lying down, mucus tends to accumulate in the throat. Additionally, the air quality in your sleeping environment, with prolonged exposure to dust, pollen, and irritants, can contribute to nighttime cough aggravation.

Disclaimer

The provided content serves as general guidance and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. It does not serve the purpose of diagnosing sleep or health issues. Prior to implementing any modifications to your daily routine, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.

References

1. Cohen, S., Doyle, W.J., Alper, C.M., Janicki-Deverts, D. and Turner, R.B., 2009. Sleep habits and susceptibility to the common cold. Archives of internal medicine, 169(1), pp.62-67.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2629403/

2. Singh, D.P., Jamil, R.T. and Mahajan, K., 2018. Nocturnal cough.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532273/

3. Allan, G.M. and Arroll, B., 2014. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. Cmaj, 186(3), pp.190-199.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928210/

4. Ashkin, E. and Mounsey, A., 2013. A spoonful of honey helps a coughing child sleep. The Journal of Family Practice, 62(3), p.145.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601686/

5. Morice, A.H., McGarvey, L. and Pavord, I., 2006. Recommendations for the management of cough in adults. Thorax, 61(suppl 1), pp.i1-i24.

Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080754/