This article was medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS. Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006. This article has been viewed 31,075 times.

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If you're struggling to sleep because of a cough, consider taking a steam-filled shower or bath to help soothe your irritated nasal tissue. Additionally, drink plenty of water during the day to keep your breathing passages hydrated, since having a dry throat and nose can make you cough. To expand your breathing passages, make yourself a cup of hot tea with honey or purchase a humidifier to run during the night. You can also improve your sleeping environment by adding more pillows under your head and making your room a comfortable temperature. However, if you're still struggling to stop coughing, try taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant, such as Robitussin or Mucinex. If your cough lasts for more than 2 weeks, see your doctor, who may test you for sleep apnea. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to use honey to treat your cough, keep reading!