The Best Sleep Position to Stop a Cough
If you’re dealing with a dry cough, the best sleep position to stop coughing is on your back. “Sleeping on your back allows gravity to help keep drainage from pooling in the back of your throat,” Dr. Badr says. “It also may help to prevent irritation and inflammation of the airway.”
If you’re dealing with a nighttime cough, the best sleep position to stop coughing is on your side. “Sleeping on your side allows gravity to help keep drainage from pooling in the back of your throat,” Dr. Badr says. “It also may help to prevent irritation and inflammation of the airway.”
If you’re dealing with a covid-19 cough, the best sleep position to stop coughing is on your stomach. “Sleeping on your stomach allows gravity to help keep drainage from pooling in the back of your throat,” Dr. Badr says. “It also may help to prevent irritation and inflammation of the airway.”
The following is medical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the best sleep position to stop coughing:
“If you have a cough that is worse at night, sleep with your head elevated on a pillow. This will help to drain mucus from your nose and throat.”
“If you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection, sleep with your head elevated on a pillow. This will help to reduce congestion and make it easier to breathe.”
“If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep with your head elevated on a pillow. This will help to keep stomach acids from flowing back into your throat.”
This content is medically reviewed by Arshad Rajput, MD and was last updated on October 16, 2020.
If you’re dealing with a cough, the best sleep position to stop coughing is on your back. “Sleeping on your back allows gravity to help keep drainage from pooling in the back of your throat,” Dr. Badr says. “It also may help to prevent irritation and inflammation of the airway.”
The Worst Sleep Position to Stop a Cough
If you’re coughing at night, the last thing you want to do is make it worse by sleeping in the wrong position. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what can happen if you sleep on your back.
When you sleep on your back, gravity pulls your head and chest down, which can exacerbate postnasal drip and make you more likely to cough. Sleeping on your side or stomach can help prevent this by keeping your head and chest elevated.
If you’re already sick with a common cold or sore throat, sleeping on your back can also make it harder to clear your throat and may even lead to more congestion. In addition, sleeping on your back can worsen mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression.
To stop coughing at night, sleep on your side or stomach instead of your back. This will help prevent postnasal drip and keep your throat clear. If you’re sick, prop yourself up with pillows to make it easier to breathe. And if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor about how to get the most restful sleep possible.
The Sleep Position That May Help You Sleep but Worsen a Cough
When you have a cough, the last thing you want to do is make it worse. But if you’re trying to sleep, you may not be able to avoid it. The sleep position that may help you sleep but worsen a cough is lying on your back.
When you lie on your back, gravity can cause mucus to pool in the back of your throat. This can trigger your cough reflex and make it difficult to sleep. If you have a cough that is keeping you up at night, try sleeping on your side or propping yourself up with pillows.
If you’re struggling to sleep because of a cough, there are a few things you can try. drinking hot water before bed can help thin out mucus and make it less likely to trigger your cough reflex. over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and decongestants can also help.
If your cough is severe or doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor. They can rule out any underlying conditions and give you the best treatment for your cough.
Sleeping with a cough can be difficult, but there are things you can do to make it more manageable. If your cough is keeping you up at night, try sleeping on your side or propping yourself up with pillows. You can also drink hot water before bed and take over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and decongestants. If your cough is severe or doesn’t go away, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
The Sleep Position That May Help You Sleep but Worsen a Cough
If you’re trying to sleep with a cough, you may want to consider changing your sleep position. Some positions can help you sleep better but may worsen a cough.
Here are some positions to avoid if you’re trying to sleep with a cough:
1. Sleeping on your back. This position can deliver your cough to your inbox.
2. Sleeping on your stomach. This position may help you sleep but can worsen a cough.
3. Sleeping on your side. This position may also help you sleep but can worsen a cough.
If you’re trying to sleep with a cough, the best position may be propped up on your back with a pillow. This position can help you sleep and may also help relieve a cough.
If you have a cough that doesn’t go away, it’s important to see a doctor. A cough can be a symptom of a number of different conditions, some of which may require diagnosis or treatment.