It can be very bothersome to have a night cough. It can interrupt your sleep, make you feel tired and leave you feeling drained the next day.
Constant coughing can be due to many reasons such as allergies, asthma, post-nasal drip, lung infections or acid reflux. Here are some soothing remedies for night coughing:.
1. Honey
Honey is effective in soothing a cough. It has antibacterial properties that help to fight infections and soothe the throat. You can take it straight or add it to hot water to make tea.
When taking it straight or in tea, it coats the throat and helps to suppress coughing. Try taking 1 or 2 teaspoons before bedtime.
2. Ginger
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent which helps to soothe inflamed tissues in the throat caused by coughing. Its expectorant properties help to loosen and expel mucus from the lungs.
You can make ginger tea by boiling 1-2 slices of fresh ginger for 10 minutes then strain it. Add honey and lemon juice to it for a more effective solution for coughing.
3. Saltwater gargle
Gargling salt water can help to ease a sore throat caused by coughing. It helps to break up mucus from the throat and may help to reduce inflammation.
Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then gargle with it for at least 30 seconds and spit the water out. You can repeat this up to 4 times a day.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a herb that is packed with nutrients that help to boost the immune system. It has antiseptic and antibiotic properties that help to fight infections that cause coughing. It has been used to treat coughing for centuries.
You can use fresh or dried thyme leaves to make tea by boiling it in water for about 10 minutes. Add honey and drink it before bedtime.
5. Essential oils
Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint can help to ease coughing by opening up blocked airways and reducing inflammation. You can use a diffuser to disperse the oils in the air while you sleep.
You can also inhale the oil vapors by adding it to a bowl of hot water and inhaling the steam. You can add a few drops of essential oil to your pillowcase or a cloth and put that near your pillow while you sleep.
6. Steam
Steam helps to moisturize airways and soothes inflamed tissues in the throat. You can take a hot shower before bedtime or you can create a steam therapy by boiling a pot of water and inhaling the steam with a towel over your head.
Alternatively, you can use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your bedroom while you sleep.
7. Black pepper and honey
Black pepper and honey work great together in soothing coughing. Black pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow while honey coats the throat and has antibacterial properties.
You can mix a 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper into 1 tablespoon of honey and consume this mixture before bedtime.
8. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important to soothe coughing and keep the throat moist. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, tea, and soup. Drinking warm liquids such as tea can also help to soothe a sore throat caused by coughing.
9. Avoid irritants
Avoid irritants such as smoke, dust or air pollution as these can irritate the throat and cause you to cough more. Minimize exposure to these irritants, or ideally try to avoid them completely.
10. Elevate your head
Elevating your head while you sleep can help to prevent mucus from settling in the back of your throat, making it easier to breathe and reducing coughing.
You can elevate your head by using an extra pillow under your head or by raising the head of your bed.