Best Over The Counter Cough Medicine To Help Sleep
Coughing can be a major impediment to getting a good night's sleep. A persistent cough can keep you awake for hours, leaving you feeling exhausted and irritable the next day. Thankfully, there are a number of over-the-counter cough medicines that can help you get the rest you need. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best options available.
What Causes Coughing?
Coughing is a natural reflex that helps to clear your airways of mucus, irritants, and other substances that can cause irritation. There are many different things that can cause a cough, including:
- Cold or flu
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Postnasal drip
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
If you're experiencing a cough that lasts for more than a week or two, it's a good idea to see your doctor. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Types of Over-the-Counter Cough Medicines
There are two main types of over-the-counter cough medicines:
- Cough suppressants: These medicines work to suppress your cough reflex, making it less likely that you'll cough throughout the night. They're usually made with dextromethorphan (DM), which is a cough suppressant.
- Expectorants: These medicines work to thin out your mucus, making it easier to cough up. They're usually made with guaifenesin, which is an expectorant.
It's important to choose the right type of cough medicine for your needs. If you have a dry, hacking cough, a cough suppressant may be the best choice. If you have a cough that's accompanied by mucus, an expectorant may be more effective.
Best Cough Medicines for Sleep
Here are some of the best over-the-counter cough medicines to help you get a good night's sleep:
1. Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM
Robitussin Nighttime Cough DM is a popular choice for people who are looking for a cough suppressant that can also help them sleep. It contains dextromethorphan to suppress your cough and doxylamine succinate, which is a sedating antihistamine that can help you fall asleep.
2. Mucinex DM Maximum Strength
Mucinex DM Maximum Strength is another good option for people who need a cough suppressant and expectorant. It contains both dextromethorphan and guaifenesin to help you sleep and thin out your mucus.
3. NyQuil Cough
NyQuil Cough is a nighttime cough medicine that's designed to help you sleep. It contains dextromethorphan to suppress your cough and doxylamine succinate to help you fall asleep.
4. Vicks VapoRub
While not technically a cough medicine, Vicks VapoRub can be an effective way to soothe a cough and help you sleep. Simply rub a small amount of the ointment on your chest before bed and the menthol and camphor vapors will help to open up your airways.
Conclusion
There are many over-the-counter cough medicines that can help you get a good night's sleep. Whether you need a cough suppressant or an expectorant, there are options available that can help to relieve your symptoms and allow you to rest comfortably. However, it's important to choose the right type of medicine for your needs and to talk to your doctor if you have a persistent cough that lasts for more than a week or two.