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22 Ways To Relieve A Nighttime Cough
There are several ways to relieve a nighttime cough, such as using a humidifier or herbal preparations. If an underlying condition causes coughing, treating this may also help.
A troublesome cough during the day may seem more intense at night, and some coughs worsen when a person lies down. However, various strategies can help a person get a better night's sleep with a cough.
It is important to note that not every remedy will be suitable for every type of cough. It is best for a person to contact their doctor for a diagnosis and treatment advice.
Read on to discover ways to reduce or ease nighttime coughing, including addressing conditions that can cause a cough. These include managing the environment, using medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
Here are some tips that focus on managing the air people breathe, both in the bedroom and during the day.
1. Try to quit smokingExposure to tobacco smoke is the most common environmental cause of chronic cough.
If a person smokes, quitting smoking can help lower the risk of a cough, as well as help manage conditions that may cause a nighttime cough, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma.
Coughing may improve after 8 weeks of quitting smoking.
A doctor can advise on effective ways to quit smoking and how to use aids such as nicotine patches, gum, and medication.
Discover 11 tips to give up smoking.
2. Avoid exposure to secondhand smokeAccording to the American Cancer Society, people who do not smoke but spend time in smoky areas are also at risk of a cough, asthma, various lung diseases, and cancers.
Asking others not to smoke and avoiding smoky areas may help reduce irritation and inflammation.
How does secondhand smoke affect people with asthma?
3. Try a humidifierDry air can irritate the throat and sinuses and worsen a cough. Air conditioning and cooling fans in the summer and heating systems in the winter can make the environment dry.
Using a humidifier at night can add moisture to the air while a person sleeps. This may help soothe the throat and prevent coughing. It is best to use distilled or demineralized water, as tap water can leave particles when it evaporates.
However, too much moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can be an allergen and cause more coughing.
A humidity level of about 40–50% is suitable for a bedroom, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
4. Manage allergensAllergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a generally harmless substance. Indoor allergens include mold, pet dander, and dust. They can lead to sneezing, stuffiness, and coughing.
Some ways to decrease allergy-related coughing in the bedroom include:
Dust in the bedroom can worsen symptoms at night.
Some tips for reducing dust and dust mites include:
Depending on where a person lives, keeping the windows closed may help reduce allergic reactions and coughing at night.
Keeping the windows closed may help eliminate dust, air pollution, and pollen from sleeping areas.
7. Use an air filterAir filters and air purifiers can help remove particles from the air, which may help reduce coughing.
Research from 2020 looked at the effect of using air filters in the bedroom for 6 weeks on people with allergic rhinitis.
Results suggested that an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can significantly lower both the concentration of particles in the air and the need for medication in people with this condition.
8. Raise the head of the bedCoughing may worsen at night because a person is lying flat. Mucus can pool in the back of the throat and cause coughing.
Sleeping with the head elevated can reduce the symptoms of postnasal drip and GERD. Both can cause coughing at night.
A person can prop up the head of their bed using:
There are many herbal and natural remedies for a cough. It is best to first contact a doctor, as there is not enough scientific research to confirm that many natural remedies are effective and safe, and they may interact with other therapies.
Some treatments may also be unsuitable for children.
Learn about 12 natural cough remedies.
9. Drink lemon with honeyDrinking lemon with honey before bed may help soothe the throat and reduce irritation. According to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, it has a similar effect to cough medications.
Honey is not suitable for children under 12 months.
10. Ivy leafSome cough mixtures contain natural expectorants, such as the extract of ivy leaf (Hedera helix).
A 2020 study involving 118 people concluded that using ivy leaf cough syrup for 7 days improved symptoms of acute bronchitis and various cough-associated sleep disorders.
Ivy leaf appears to loosen and thin mucus in the same way as acetylcysteine, another treatment for managing mucus, but with fewer side effects.
11. Thyme and primroseA 2016 review found that a medication containing primrose, thyme, and thymol effectively reduced cough in people with respiratory tract infections.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb with antispasmodic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties. The active ingredient in thyme is thymol.
Primrose (Primula officinalis) has similar properties and is also an expectorant, helping the body expel mucus.
12. Essential oilsEssential oils may help reduce cough and other symptoms of bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections.
Plants with oils that have shown promise in reducing cough include:
People can add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint to water and use for inhalation.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand's products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
13. Gargle warm salt water before bedThere is some evidence that a saltwater gargle may help prevent or manage infections by flushing out unwanted particles and pathogens from the throat.
A 2021 report concluded that gargling saltwater may help manage COVID-19, but more research is necessary.
Learn more about saltwater gargles.
14. Use a saline nasal sprayA doctor may recommend a saline or steroid nasal spray to irrigate the nasal passages and the upper airway. A saline spray contains a specially prepared solution of salt and water.
Research from 2017 looked at data from 45 people with a dust mite allergy who used typical saline nasal-pharyngeal irrigation for 30 days. At the end of the study period, they reported better relief from their cough with typical saline compared with nasal corticosteroids.
According to a 2015 review, there is not enough evidence to prove that irrigating with a saline solution is effective. However, some trials have shown it can reduce nasal secretions, improve nasal breathing, and lower the need for medications.
15. Neti KriyaNeti Kriya is a yoga-based treatment and one of the six cleansing techniques, or Shatkarmas, of Hatha yoga.
The practice of Jala Neti uses a neti pot for inserting lukewarm salt water into the nose.
In NetiKriya, a person takes the water into one side of the nose and then blows it back out through the other side of the nose.
The FDA suggests the following technique for using a neti pot:
It is an ancient practice that may help manage rhinosinusitis, a common cause of a cough.
The use of neti pots may not be safe for everyone, and people should check first with a doctor before using one. A person should always use purified water, as there is a risk of infection with tap water.
NetiKriya is not suitable for those susceptible to ear infections.
Cough medications are available over the counter (OTC) or as a prescription.
Some formulations are especially for nighttime coughs and contain ingredients that help a person sleep.
16. Cough suppressantsCough suppressants block the cough reflex. They are available as OTC or prescription drugs.
Some prescription cough suppressants contain codeine and are unsuitable for people ages 17 years and under.
17. ExpectorantsExpectorants include products such as guaifenesin (Mucinex). They thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. This may shorten how long a cough lasts.
They can help treat upper respiratory tract infections and chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
18. Steroid nasal spraySteroid sprays such as fluticasone propionate contain corticosteroid medications. These help reduce inflammation, and doctors sometimes prescribe them for people with nonallergic rhinitis.
However, corticosteroid use can have adverse effects, including a possible worsening of asthma symptoms. It is essential to follow a doctor's instructions when using a steroid spray.
19. VaccinationsFollowing a doctor's recommendations about vaccinations can help prevent conditions that cause a cough.
For people ages 19 years and over, these include the annual flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
Following the immunization schedule for infants and children can help protect them from conditions such as whooping cough.
Various health conditions can cause a nighttime cough. Following a treatment plan for these conditions can help manage them and address a cough.
Many different conditions can cause a cough. It is best to contact a doctor for an official diagnosis. Below are some examples of conditions that can cause a cough and how to treat them.
20. GERDGERD is a digestive disorder that causes regurgitation and heartburn. It happens when a sphincter (valve) in the esophagus becomes weak.
It can lead to throat irritation and coughing.
A doctor may recommend:
A doctor may also prescribe medication.
21. Laryngopharyngeal reflux and postnasal dripLaryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a possible cause of postnasal drip. This is similar to GERD but does not cause heartburn. Instead, it can cause a postnasal drip, a cough, and a feeling like there is a lump in the throat.
People with LPR can:
Using an air purifier and avoiding allergens can help manage asthma. However, asthma is a potentially life threatening condition that needs medical attention.
Medication for asthma comes in different forms, such as pills and inhalers.
Some inhalers contain medications to open the airways, which may ease coughing and make breathing easier. Some are for regular, long-term use, and others provide rapid relief.
Learn more about treatments for asthma.
It is best for a person to contact a doctor if they have a cough and any of the following symptoms:
It is also advisable to contact a doctor if the cough worsens or does not go away.
Here are some answers to questions people often ask about stopping a cough.
Why is coughing worse at night?Lying flat in bed can cause mucus to collect in the airway, making coughing more likely. Coughing may also worsen at night if a person is sleeping in a room that is dusty or contains other allergens.
Why do I get a tickle in my throat and cough at night?A tickle in the throat and cough at night may be due to irritants in the room. This can worsen in rooms with wall-to-wall carpets and lots of soft furnishings. Dry air can also irritate the throat, but using a humidifier may help.
Learn more about the causes of a tickle in the throat.
Is a tickle in the throat at night asthma?While asthma can cause a nighttime cough, there are other causes like postnasal drip, allergies, and GERD.
How can I stop a night cough?Managing a nighttime cough typically involves treating the underlying cause. People can also try cough suppressants, humidifiers, and home remedies.
Why am I coughing so much but not sick?If a person is coughing but not sick, the cough could be a result of allergies, GERD, postnasal drip, or asthma.
A cough can develop for many reasons. At night, some types of cough can worsen.
Raising the head of the bed can help resolve some types of nighttime cough. Other tips depend on the cause but may include avoiding eating close to bedtime, keeping a room clear of allergens, and taking medication.
It is best for anyone with a persistent nighttime cough to contact a doctor, as there may be an underlying condition causing the cough.
Read this article in Spanish.
What Can I Do To Make My Cough Go Away Naturally?
People use a range of natural remedies to treat a persistent cough.
While they may help some people, it is important to note that some of the following remedies have limited evidence to support their use.
This means a person may or may not find that the remedies work for them.
1. HoneyAccording to research, honey may relieve a cough.
In a 2021 review of studies, researchers looked at the effect of using honey to treat coughs in upper respiratory infections.
The researchers found that honey was superior to usual care, both in suppressing the cough and in helping prevent the need for antibiotics.
In another study, researchers compared honey with dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant.
The researchers found that both honey and dextromethorphan worked to suppress coughs. They noted that honey scored slightly higher in one trial and on par with dextromethorphan in another.
A person can use this remedy by swallowing a spoonful of honey or adding it to a hot drink, such as an herbal tea.
2. GingerGinger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also relieve nausea and pain.
Only a few older studies have looked at ginger's effect on coughs. A study from 2015 examined 10 different natural products used in traditional Asian medicines, including ginger.
The researchers found that ginger and other remedies, including honey, have played a continued role in traditional medicine.
While a long history of use can have valuable implications for a treatment's effectiveness, the researchers noted that their study may provide future researchers with a place to start when examining natural solutions to coughs.
People often add ginger to dishes or drink it in tea. However, in some cases, ginger tea can cause stomach upset or heartburn.
3. Hot fluidsWhile current research is lacking, an older study from 2008 showed that drinking liquids at room temperature may alleviate a cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
However, people with additional cold or flu symptoms may benefit from warming up their beverages. The same study reports that hot beverages alleviate even more symptoms, including a sore throat, chills, and fatigue.
The symptom relief was immediate and remained for a continued period after finishing the hot beverage.
Hot beverages that may be comforting include:
4. SteamA wet cough, which is one that produces mucus or phlegm, may improve with steam.
To try this method, a person should take a hot shower or bath and allow the bathroom to fill with steam. They should stay in this steam for a few minutes until symptoms subside. They can drink a glass of water afterward to cool down and prevent dehydration.
Alternatively, people can make a steam bowl. A person can do this by:
A person may find steaming helpful when done one to two times per day.
While many believe steam will help with cough and other symptoms, not all evidence supports this. For example, a 2017 study looking at the use of steam for common cold symptoms found that it did not noticeably improve a person's symptoms.
5. Marshmallow rootMarshmallow root is an herb with a long history of use as a treatment for coughs and sore throats.
The herb can ease irritation resulting from coughing because of its high mucilage content. Mucilage is a thick, gluey substance that coats the throat.
One older, small study found that an herbal cough syrup containing marshmallow root, along with thyme and ivy, effectively relieved coughs resulting from common colds and respiratory tract infections.
After 12 days of taking the syrup, 90% of the participants rated its effectiveness as good or very good.
In a 2020 in vitro study, researchers also noted the coating effect of marshmallow root extract.
They found that the root extract has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and provided similar relief to diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
Marshmallow root is also available as a dried herb or a bagged tea. A person should add hot water to either and then drink it immediately or allow it to cool first. The longer the marshmallow root steeps in the water, the more mucilage will be in the drink.
Side effects can include stomach upset, but it may be possible to counter this by drinking extra fluids.
Marshmallow root is available for purchase in health stores or online.
6. Saltwater garglePeople have used saltwater gargles for a long time to help alleviate sore throat and symptoms associated with the common cold. It may help loosen mucus and alleviate some pain.
However, it likely will not help reduce viral load.
In a 2021 study, researchers compared different antiseptic mouthwashes to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. They found that several commercial brands helped with reducing viral load, but a lab-made saltwater solution did not effectively kill the virus.
A person can make a saltwater gargle by:
Young children and people with high blood pressure should avoid using saltwater gargles
7. BromelainBromelain is an enzyme that comes from pineapples. It is most plentiful in the core of the fruit.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and may also have mucolytic properties, which means it can break down mucus and remove it from the body.
Some people drink pineapple juice daily to reduce mucus in the throat and suppress coughing. However, there may not be enough bromelain in the juice to relieve symptoms.
Bromelain supplements are available and may be more effective at relieving coughs. However, it is best for a person to speak with a doctor before trying any new supplements.
Bromelain is a potential allergen, and the substance may also cause side effects and interact with medications. People who take blood thinners or specific antibiotics should not take bromelain.
8. ThymeThyme has both culinary and medicinal uses and is a commonly used remedy for a cough, sore throat, bronchitis, and digestive issues.
In a 2015 meta-analysis of several studies, researchers noted that strong evidence suggests that using thyme preparations helped alleviate people's cough symptoms.
However, they noted that additional studies are needed to demonstrate its overall effectiveness.
A more recent study in 2021 showed that people using a combination of thyme and ivy drops showed improvement in bronchitis symptoms, cough, and overall quality of life.
They also noted that people experienced few side effects using the drops.
To treat coughs using thyme, a person can look for a cough syrup that contains this herb.
9. Dietary changes for acid refluxAcid reflux is a common cause of a cough. Avoiding foods that can trigger acid reflux is one of the best ways to manage this condition and reduce the cough that accompanies it.
Every individual may have different reflux triggers that they need to avoid. People who are unsure of what causes their reflux can begin by eliminating the most common triggers from their diet and monitoring their symptoms.
The foods and beverages that most commonly trigger acid reflux include:
10. Slippery elmNative Americans traditionally used slippery elm bark to treat coughing and digestive issues.
Slippery elm is similar to marshmallow root as it contains a high level of mucilage, which helps to soothe a sore throat and cough.
A person can make slippery elm tea by adding 1 teaspoon of the dried herb to a cup of hot water and allowing it to steep for at least 10 minutes before drinking.
It is important to note that slippery elm may interfere with the absorption of medications, so a person should talk with a doctor before making a tea or using another supplement.
Slippery elm is available in powder and capsule form in health stores and online.
11. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)NAC is a supplement that comes from the amino acid L-cysteine. Taking a daily dose may lessen the frequency and severity of a wet cough by reducing mucus in the airways.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies suggests that NAC can significantly and consistently reduce symptoms in people with chronic bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis is a prolonged inflammation of the airways that causes mucus buildup, a cough, and other symptoms.
The researchers suggest a daily dose of 600 milligrams (mg) of NAC for people without airway obstruction and up to 1,200 mg where there is an obstruction.
NAC can have severe side effects, including hives, swelling, fever, and difficulty breathing. Anyone considering this approach should speak with a doctor first.
12. ProbioticsProbiotics do not directly relieve a cough, but they may boost the immune system by balancing the bacteria in the gut.
A healthy immune system can help to fight off infections that may be causing the cough.
One type of probiotic, a bacteria called Lactobacillus, provides a modest benefit in helping prevent the common cold, according to an older study published in 2013.
Another meta-analysis published in 2016 found that taking probiotics helped reduce the number of times children came down with respiratory tract infections, which could indirectly reduce coughing.
Supplements containing Lactobacillus and other probiotics are available at health and drug stores.
Some foods are also naturally rich in probiotics, including:
However, the number and diversity of probiotic units in foods can vary greatly. It may be best to take probiotic supplements in addition to eating probiotic-rich foods.
Cough Medicine: Should You Or Shouldn't You?
Coughs send more people to the doctor's office than any other specific symptom. And Americans spend billions of dollars every year on over-the-counter medications like suppressants and expectorants to treat them.
Clearly we're concerned about our coughs. Clearly lots of us rely on medications to treat them. What's unclear is the answer to this core question: Do these medicines work?
"We've never had good evidence that cough suppressants and expectorants help with cough," says Norman Edelman, MD, senior scientific advisor at the American Lung Association. "But people are desperate to get some relief. They're so convinced that they should work that they buy them anyway."
Should you use these products? Here's what you need to know about the pros and cons of common cough medicines.
Coughs cause a lot of misery.
Many of us badly want an effective cough treatment, but we don't seem to have one. No new licensed remedy has appeared in more than 50 years -- and the case for older drugs isn't strong.
It's important to understand that these studies don't say cough medicines don't work. Rather, they've just found no proof that they do. It's always possible that further studies could show that they help.
Because of a lack of good evidence that cold and cough medicines help -- and a very small risk of serious side effects -- the FDA said in 2008 that toddlers and babies shouldn't get these products. Drug makers agreed to change the labeling of over-the-counter cough and cold remedies. Now they're only recommended for children ages 4 and older.
The American Academy of Pediatrics went further, saying there's no reason parents should use them in children under 6.
But moms and dads might not be listening. In a nationwide poll, more than 60% of parents with children under age 2 said they've given their kids cold or cough medicine.
People find them reassuring, says John E. Heffner, MD, past president of the American Thoracic Society.
When we're sick with a cough -- or worse, when our children are sick -- we'll do anything to relieve it. Knowing there's a medicine we can use makes us feel more in control. People may also start feeling better a few days after taking a cough medicine, so they assume it's working. But the cough just goes away on its own, Edelman says. The medicine has little to do with it.
Although experts agree that young children shouldn't take cough medicine, they're OK for most older children and adults. The odds of serious side effects are very small, Edelman says.
That said, anyone with a medical condition -- like heart disease or high blood pressure -- should check with a doctor before using any cold medicine.
Heffner says you should also see your doctor if a cough lasts longer than 5 to 7 days, or comes with other symptoms like a fever or rash.
Don't overuse the drugs in cough and cold medicines. This can happen accidentally. You could take more than one brand of cold and cough medicine without realizing that both contain the same ingredients. Or you might take multiple doses because the first didn't help. If one dose doesn't help, more won't get the job done either, Edelman says. Instead, you'll put yourself at risk of an overdose.
Experts say it may not help a lot, but it probably won't hurt older children and adults.
Your doctor might even suggest it. "I consider a cough suppressant in some patients who have a chronic cough that hasn't responded to other treatments," Heffner says.
If you're wary of using over-the-counter cough treatments, try a little honey in warm tea. It's just for adults and older kids, though. Honey isn't safe for children under age 1.
There's one last thing to consider before reaching for the medicine. Coughing can be good for you. It's how our bodies clear out excess mucus and other irritants, Edelman says.
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