I. Introduction
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone coughing in their sleep? Or perhaps you are the one coughing uncontrollably at night? Coughing in sleep is a fairly common issue that affects many people worldwide. In this article, we will explore the science behind coughing during sleep, debunk myths about it, and discuss its surprising health impacts. Additionally, will provide tips and natural remedies to alleviate this issue, leading to a good night’s sleep.
II. The Science of Coughing in Sleep: What You Need to Know
Coughing is a reflex action that helps our body protect our airways from harmful irritants. It occurs when the brain senses a foreign object or substance in our throat, causing the exhaling of air to clear the air passage. During sleep, the reflex of coughing becomes more vulnerable due to the relaxation of our muscles. Additionally, coughing reflexes are regulated by the brain and nervous system, which can determine the likelihood of coughing in sleep.
The sleep cycle also affects coughing. During the non-rem phase of sleep, the cough reflex is quieter, causing less disturbance, and becoming less likely to occur. However, the opposite is true during the deep-sleeping rem phase. As our muscles are fully relaxed, the act of coughing during REM sleep may involve more choking, hacking, or wheezing sounds, reflecting the symptoms of underlying respiratory issues.
III. Can You Really Cough in Your Sleep? Debunking Myths and Facts
There are various myths and misconceptions regarding coughing in sleep. Some people believe that it’s impossible to cough during sleep, while some think that coughing during sleep indicates some underlying health issues. However, medical practitioners suggest that coughing in sleep is a common and natural process that poses little harm.
Courses of coughing in sleep include asthma, allergies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and cold and flu symptoms. These issues force our throat to become irritated, leading to reflex action, which can alter the quality of sleep. It’s also essential to note that excessive coughing during sleep can indicate a health issue, including sleep apnea, where there is an intermittent blockage of air passages during sleep, leading to repeated cycles of reduction in oxygen in the body.
IV. The Surprising Health Impacts of Coughing in Your Sleep
Chronic coughing during sleep can affect your mental and physical health. Inability to sleep properly due to coughing can lead to low productivity, low mood, and increased fatigue. Coughing also causes a sore throat, leading to unease while speaking and swallowing. Additionally, coughing can result in respiration issues such as asthma or bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or pneumonia.
V. Sleep Better Tonight: Tips for Preventing Coughing at Night
There are a variety of ways to minimize and prevent coughing at night such as, changing sleep posture, using cough medicine, and choosing the right pillow and mattress. Sleeping on your side or adding an extra pillow, raising your head, can help in alleviating coughing during sleep. Additionally, cough medicines containing essential herbs such as licorice, honey, or mallow, are helpful to control nighttime coughs.
People with asthma or allergies may need to use an inhaler or other prescribed medication to control coughs at night. If you are using an inhaler and still having sleep-time respiratory problems, speak to a medical practitioner to review your medication or suggest alternative options. Lastly, using pillows and mattresses that are conducive to sleep, such as hypoallergenic pillows or adjustable bed frames, can help reduce respiratory issues and provide a good night’s sleep.
VI. The Connection between Coughing and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, a significant respiratory problem characterized by loud snoring and intermittent breathing cessation, is also linked to coughing in sleep. The cessation of breathing causes the airway muscles to work harder to open the airway, leading to irritation that can lead to coughing. Proper treatment is essential in managing sleep apnea such as using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines or dental devices.
VII. Natural Remedies to Alleviate Coughing during Sleep
Natural remedies are an alternative option that can be used to prevent coughing at night. These remedies include humidifiers, essential oils, drinking more water, and gargling salt-water. Humidifiers are useful in keeping the air moist, which can help calm irritated airways. Essential oils like menthol, eucalyptus, or lavender are helpful to provide relief to the throat and ease coughing. Drinking lots of water or warm tea with honey or ginger can help relieve soreness and irritation. Lastly, gargling with salt-water can help clear mucus and relieve soreness in the throat.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, coughing is a common medical problem that affects most people worldwide. Through this article, we discussed the science behind coughing during sleep, debunked myths and explored negative health impacts on its effects. Finally, we provided tips and natural remedies to alleviate such issues, leading to a good night’s sleep. If the problems continue, it’s essential to consult a medical practitioner and receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
