Our health experts share ways to keep nighttime coughing at bay. Walk into an AFC Urgent Care for cold symptom management. We’re open daily! 

Winter colds can be frustrating. You may notice a sore throat while at Topgolf, a persistent cough during your girl’s night at Paint with a Twist, or a runny nose when visiting the Hiwassee River Heritage Center. However, once nighttime arrives, those manageable symptoms suddenly get worse.  

This is a common experience, especially during cold and flu season across Southeast Tennessee. Specifically, nighttime coughing can interrupt sleep and slow recovery, understanding what triggers it can help you take steps to prevent symptoms from worsening after dark. 

Visit an AFC East Tennessee Clinic today! 

Why Nighttime Makes Coughing Worse 

When you have a cold, your body produces extra mucus to trap and clear viruses. During the day, staying upright and moving around helps loosen and drain that mucus. At night, lying flat changes how your body handles these secretions. 

Once you lie down, mucus tends to collect in the back of your throat, a process known as postnasal drip. This buildup triggers your cough reflex as your body tries to keep your airway clear. Without gravity helping your sinuses drain, congestion can feel heavier and breathing may become more uncomfortable. 

The role cortisol plays 

Your body’s natural hormone cycle also plays an important role. Cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate inflammation, is higher during the day. At night, cortisol levels decrease, allowing your immune system to focus on fighting infection. While this is a positive process, it can also increase inflammation and mucus production, which contributes to nighttime coughing. 

Air quality 

Dry indoor air (more common during colder months) can further irritate your throat and nasal passages. When heating systems are running, moisture is eliminated from the air, creating a cough that persists throughout the night.  

Symptoms That Often Worsen After Dark 

A nighttime cough rarely occurs on its own. Other cold symptoms often become more noticeable once you lie down, including increased congestion and throat irritation. You may experience: 

• Postnasal drip that triggers frequent coughing. 
• A stuffy or blocked nose due to reduced sinus drainage. 
• Throat soreness from ongoing mucus irritation. 

Together, these symptoms can disrupt sleep and make it harder for your body to recover. 

Preventing Nighttime Coughing 

While you can’t instantly cure a cold, there are several practical ways to reduce irritation and help prevent your cough from worsening at night. One of the most effective steps is adjusting how you sleep. Elevating your head with extra pillows allows mucus to drain more effectively and reduces throat irritation. 

Maintaining proper hydration throughout the day is another key factor. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier for your body to clear. Warm beverages, such as herbal tea or honey water, can also be soothing before bed. 

Additional prevention tips include: 

• Using a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air. 
• Trying saline nasal sprays to keep nasal passages moist. 
• Taking a warm shower or breathing in steam before bedtime. 
• Using over-the-counter decongestants or pain relievers when needed. 
• Taking antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin to help reduce postnasal drip overnight. 

During the day, cough drops or lozenges can also help calm throat irritation and may reduce nighttime coughing later on. 

Knowing When to Seek Medical Care 

Most coughs related to the common cold can be managed at home. However, you should seek medical attention if your cough lasts longer than a few weeks, interferes with your breathing, or is accompanied by a fever or chest discomfort. 

It’s also important to be evaluated if you experience a severe sore throat, persistent sinus pain or ear pain. If you believe your symptoms may be related to COVID-19, the flu, or another contagious illness, medical testing can help guide your next steps. 

The AFC Advantage 

AFC Southeast Tennessee clinics are here to support you when cold symptoms worsen or become concerning. We offer rapid testing for COVID-19, flu and pneumonia to help identify the cause of your cough. Our clinics do not have in-house pharmacies, but all of our providers are board-certified and can prescribe medications when needed.  

We’re a friendly and compassionate team you can trust to develop a personalized treatment plan for you because medical care is not a one-size-fits-all. With walk-in availability, extended hours and affordable care, AFC makes it easy to get the help you need on your schedule.