Nighttime coughing can be a nuisance for individuals suffering from a cold or illness. Nursing a cough at night can steal sleep from the cougher and his bed partner, causing daytime drowsiness. Cough remedies can help alleviate coughing at night; however, The Family Doctor notes certain conditions should not be treated with cough medicine. Examples include asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, as these kinds of coughs help clear the lungs and improve breathing.
Honey
Honey may not only comfort the cougher, it may actually suppress the cough. The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reports parents who gave honey to children age 2 and older with upper respiratory tract infections preferred it to dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough suppressant. Children who took honey experienced a better night's sleep and reduced nighttime coughing.
Antitussives
Antitussives are common over-the-counter cough suppressants that work by blocking the cough reflex, according to The Family Doctor. They are helpful for soothing nighttime coughs, but should not be used to suppress coughs completely, as coughs that produce phlegm help eliminate irritants in your airway. For this reason, antitussives may be more suitable for dry coughs.
Expectorants
Expectorants are known for their effectiveness at thinning mucus, according to The Family Doctor. The over-the-counter medicines are available in combination formulas, known as multi-symptom cold medicines, which can help reduce other symptoms associated with the common cold or allergies. For simple coughs not accompanied by nasal irritation or sinus congestion, however, combination drugs may have a drying effect and actually worsen your cough, making mucus thicker and more difficult to clear.
