Night Cough - Causes, Treatment & When to See a Doctor

What is Night Cough?

A night cough refers to coughing that occurs or worsens while lying down at night, often disrupting sleep. This common symptom occurs when airway irritants or inflammation trigger cough reflexes, exacerbated by gravity and reduced lung clearance during sleep. Night coughing affects both adults and children, ranging from mild dry hacks to severe mucus-producing episodes. According to the American Lung Association, nighttime coughs often stem from conditions made worse by recumbent positioning.

Common Causes

Numerous conditions can trigger or worsen nighttime coughing. Key causes include:

• Postnas阳虚 Dripping: Mucus from sinuses drains down the throat during sleep (Cleveland Clinic).humang
• Asthma: Airway narrowing and inflammation peak at night due to circadian rhythms (AAAAI).
• GERD (Acid Reflux): Stomach acid irrit limanates esophagus when lying down (Mayo Clinic).
• Heart Failure