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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission or other tangible benefit. Optum Store, Optum Perks, and Healthline Media are owned by RVO Health. [Here’s our process](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting) # Ten ways to relieve a nighttime cough  [Medically reviewed]() by [Graham Rogers, M.D.]() — Written by [MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT]() on March 19, 2018 - [Home remedies](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319498-2#home-remedies) - [Causes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319498-2#causes) - [When to see a doctor](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319498-2#when-to-see-a-doctor) Everyone has a cough from time to time. In fact, coughing can serve a useful purpose by ridding the lungs of irritants or excess mucus. 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. ## [Home remedies]() The following 10 tips may help a person reduce or ease their nighttime coughing: ### 1\. Try a humidifier  [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F319498&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F319%2F319498%2Fa-humidifier-machine-releasing-vapor-in-a-home.jpg&description=Coughing%20at%20night%3A%20Home%20remedies%20and%20causes "Share on Pinterest") A humidifier machine may help if the coughing is caused by dry air. Dry air can make a cough worse. Air conditioning and cooling fans in the summer and heating systems in the winter can make the environment dry. A person can try using a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air where they sleep. Adding humidity by this method may help soothe the throat and prevent coughing. However, too much moisture can contribute to mold growth. Mold can be an allergen and cause even more coughing. A device called a hygrometer can be used to check the moisture level in a room. A hygrometer can usually be bought from a hardware store. A humidity level of about 50 percent in a bedroom is a good target to aim for. There is a selection of humidifiers available for [purchase online](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=humidifier&i=aps&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null). ### 2\. Decrease allergens Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a generally harmless substance. Symptoms, such as [sneezing](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321305), stuffiness, and coughing are common. Common allergy triggers include mold, pet dander, and dust. According to the [National Sleep Foundation](https://sleep.org/articles/allergy-proof-bedroom/), a person can decrease allergy related coughing in the bedroom by: - Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter on the bedroom floor weekly to remove dust. - Ridding the bedroom of magnets for dust, such as magazines, books, and trinkets. - Washing bedding in hot water once a week. - Showering before going to bed to remove outdoor allergens, such as pollen. ### 3\. Manage GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease ([GERD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php "Everything you need to know about GERD")) is a digestive disorder that causes some of the contents of the stomach to flow back up to the esophagus. It can lead to throat irritation and coughing, especially at night. People who have GERD should talk to their doctor about managing their condition. Avoiding foods that may trigger [heartburn](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9151.php "Heartburn: Why it happens and what to do") and not eating for about 4 hours before bed may help decrease symptoms. ### 4\. Drink tea with honey Hot tea with honey can soothe the throat, reduce irritation, and loosen mucus. Honey should not be given to children less that 1 year old due to the potential risk of a form of [food poisoning](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154555.php "All about food poisoning") called [botulism](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/173943.php "Botulism: What is it and how can we prevent it?"). There is a selection of honey available for [purchase online](https://amzn.to/2IZyzpq?ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null). ### 5\. Consider over-the-counter medicine  [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F319498&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F319%2F319498%2Fcough-medicine.jpg&description=Coughing%20at%20night%3A%20Home%20remedies%20and%20causes "Share on Pinterest") Cough supressants and expectorants may be needed if coughing is particularly severe. Some people may want to consider taking over-the-counter medication when coughing makes it impossible to sleep. Cough medications are usually classified as one of the following: - **Cough suppressants:** These block the cough reflex. Prescription cough suppressants are also available that contain codeine. - **Expectorants:** An expectorant thins the mucus in the lungs, which makes it easier to cough it up. By helping cough the mucus up, an expectorant may shorten how long a cough lasts. Cough medications may have side effects and interact with other drugs, so it is best to talk to a doctor or pharmacist first. There is a selection of cough suppressants and expectorants available for [purchase online](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Cough+suppressant+expectorant&i=aps&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null). ### 6\. 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. Sleeping with the head elevated can decrease postnasal drip and symptoms of GERD, which both cause coughing at night. 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. ### 7\. 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. To reduce coughing, a person can mix a teaspoon of salt in about 6 ounces of warm water and gargle a few times before bed. The salt water should be spat out after gargling and not swallowed. ### 8\. Quit smoking Smoking cigarettes is a frequent cause of a long-term cough. [Quitting smoking](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/241302.php "Ten tips for giving up smoking") will help decrease coughing over time, although it will not stop the problem overnight. The [American Lung Association](http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/i-want-to-quit/) offers resources to help people who want to quit smoking. It can also be helpful to talk to a doctor about aids for quitting, such as nicotine patches, gum, and medication. ### 9\. Use a saline nasal spray A saline nasal spray can decrease dryness, thin mucus, and wash away irritants and allergens from the nose. Saline nasal sprays contain salt and water and may also decrease postnasal drip. There is a selection of saline nasal sprays available for [purchase online](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=saline+nasal+spray&i=aps&tag=healthline-subtag-20&ascsubtag=null&correlationId=null). ### 10\. Treat asthma [Asthma](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/asthma/ "What is Asthma?") is a long-term lung disorder that involves [inflammation](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php "Everything you need to know about inflammation") and narrowing of the airway. A common symptom of asthma is coughing, which often becomes worse at night. A prescription inhaler may stop coughing at night due to asthma. Some inhalers contain respiratory medications to open the airways, which may ease coughing and make breathing easier. ## [Causes]() [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F319498&media=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fcontent%2Fimages%2Farticles%2F319%2F319498%2Fwoman-coughing-at-night-with-tissues-and-cough-medicine-by-her-bedside.jpg&description=Coughing%20at%20night%3A%20Home%20remedies%20and%20causes "Share on Pinterest") Nighttime coughing may be a symptom of a range of conditions, including allergies, flu, bronchitis, and asthma. Coughing at night can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, some of which are short-term and disappear within a week or two. In other cases, the causes of a nighttime cough can be long-term. The following conditions are common causes of nighttime coughing: - allergies - asthma - [emphysema](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8934.php "What is emphysema?") - chronic [bronchitis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/8888.php "Symptoms and treatment of bronchitis") - GERD - common cold - [flu](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php "All you need to know about flu") ## [When to see a doctor]() Nighttime coughing can often be reduced by using one of the above suggestions. However, there are some instances when it is best to see a doctor. A person should see a doctor if they have any of the following symptoms: - [fever](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168266.php "Fever: What you need to know") greater than 38.3°C - coughing for more than a week - coughing up blood - wheezing - chest pain - trouble breathing ### Outlook The severity of nighttime coughing will depend on the cause. For example, nighttime coughing due to a common cold will usually clear up in a week or two. If a chronic lung disease is the cause, coughing may be more difficult to reduce. People who have allergies, asthma, or GERD can improve their outlook by managing their condition and working with their doctor to find treatment options that decrease symptoms. **»MORE:**[Get an online treatment plan for your cold, flu, or sinus infection in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.](https://now.optum.com/online-care/upper-respiratory-infection?utm_source=mnt&utm_medium=organic-onlinecare-on&utm_content=linkto-oc-on-uri&utm_campaign=mnt-article-oc-on-backlink) Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting) - [Respiratory](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/respiratory) - [Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases) - [Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/sleep) ### How we reviewed this article: Sources Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process). - Allergy proof your bedroom. (n.d.) <https://sleep.org/articles/allergy-proof-bedroom/> - I want to quit smoking. (n.d.) <http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/i-want-to-quit/> - Living with cough. (2016, July 13) <http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/cough/living-with-cough.html> - Treatment for GER & GERD. (2014, November) <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/treatment> - What are the signs and symptoms of asthma? (2014, August 4) <https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/signs> - What does that cough really mean? (2016, September 12) <http://acaai.org/news/what-does-cough-really-mean> Share this article  [Medically reviewed]() by [Graham Rogers, M.D.]() — Written by [MaryAnn De Pietro, CRT]() on March 19, 2018 ## Latest news - [Cheese was linked to lower dementia risk in a new study but there's a catch](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cheese-dementia-brain-health) - [Lower-calorie diet could help keep the brain young, animal study says](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lower-calorie-diet-could-help-keep-the-brain-young) - [Sleep is more important for longevity than diet, exercise, social ties, study says](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-is-more-important-for-longevity-than-diet-exercise-social-ties) - [Could eating more dark chocolate help slow down biological aging?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-eating-more-dark-chocolate-help-slow-down-biological-aging) - [Restless leg syndrome may increase Parkinson's disease risk, study finds](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/restless-leg-syndrome-may-increase-parkinsons-disease-risk) ### Related Coverage - [Four essential oils to relieve a cough](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321199?utm_source=ReadNext) [Which essential oils help to calm a cough and other symptoms of a cold? 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Find coupon and up to 80% savings options to help lower the cost of this medication.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-benzonatate-coupon?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-benzonatate-coupon?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2025 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 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