- Post nasal drip occurs when too much mucus builds up in the throat, which then leads to discomfort and sleep problems at night.
- Symptoms include a constant tickling sensation, coughing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and irritation.
- Nasal spray medications, especially combination sprays like Allermi, can help target multiple allergy symptoms causing post nasal drip.
Post nasal drip can feel like a constant tickling or dripping sensation at the back of the throat, which makes you want to clear your throat repeatedly. People with allergies and other respiratory issues find this to be a frustrating symptom.
Unfortunately, post nasal drip may worsen at night, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to discomfort or coughing. However, there are remedies and strategies to reduce post nasal drip, which can improve the quality of your sleep. We’ll explore them in this article.
What is Post Nasal Drip and How Does It Affect Sleep?
Post nasal drip is a condition where mucus builds up in the back of the throat, causing discomfort and irritation. Under normal circumstances, the glands in your nose and throat produce a significant amount of mucus daily to keep your nasal passages moist and protect against infections.
However, when the body produces too much mucus due to triggers like allergies, colds, sinus infections, or irritants such as smoke or strong smells, it becomes more noticeable as it drips down the throat and leads to irritation [*].
This can worsen at night, as the constant dripping can cause coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing — all of which can interfere with sleep and lead to restless nights. The result is usually fatigue.
In addition to the sensation of mucus dripping down the throat, other symptoms of post nasal drip include coughing, nasal congestion, sore throat, bad breath, nausea, and gurgling or hoarseness.
Related: Why Do My Allergies Get Worse at Night?
How to Sleep with Post Nasal Drip
Dealing with post nasal drip can make getting a good night's sleep difficult, but there are strategies that can help ease the symptoms and improve your rest.
Use saline nasal sprays
Using saline nasal sprays before bed can help you sleep better if you have post-nasal drip. These sprays deliver a mild mixture of salt and water directly into your nose, which keeps your nasal passages moist and calm. This moisture can thin the mucus and make it easier to clear from your nose and throat. As a result, you’ll feel less discomfort.
You can make a saline nasal spray using an over the counter kit, but using the Allermi Salinity Spray offers more convenience. It effectively flushes irritants from the nasal pathway, is physician-designed, safe for everyday use.
Sleep with your head elevated
Elevating your head helps prevent mucus from pooling in the back of your throat which can reduce congestion and irritation. This position allows mucus to drain better from your nose so that it’s less likely to drip down your throat and cause coughing at night. A wedge pillow or adjustable bed can offer a more gradual incline.
Take over-the-counter medications
If your post nasal drip is triggered by allergies, antihistamine and steroid nasal sprays may be a good option to help reduce symptoms. These medications block the body's histamine response and reduce inflammation, which is responsible for producing excess mucus, congestion, sneezing, and nasal swelling.
A combination nasal spray like Allermi can be a better alternative to managing allergy symptoms since it combines antihistamines, micro-dosed decongestants, and corticosteroids. This versatility targets multiple symptoms for quicker relief and simplifies long-term allergy management.
Related: What to Do When Allergy Medicine Doesn't Work?
Get dust mite covers for the bed
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin cells and can trigger allergic reactions, including sneezing, itching, and respiratory issues.
Dust mite covers are essential for individuals who suffer from dust mite allergies, as they act as a barrier to prevent mites from infiltrating bedding, pillows, and mattresses where they thrive.
Using dust mite covers helps reduce exposure to these allergens, thereby minimizing allergic symptoms and improving sleep quality. These covers are particularly important in bedrooms, where prolonged contact with dust mites is most likely.
By reducing dust mite populations in bedding, they contribute to better overall indoor air quality and allergy management.
Related: How to Know If You Have Dust Mites in Your Home
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough fluids keeps mucus from getting thick and sticky. Staying hydrated also soothes your throat, which reduces discomfort from mucus dripping down. Plus, when your body has enough water, it can better fight off infections and allergies that might be causing your symptoms.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and incorporate warm liquids like herbal teas or broths for additional relief.
Keep your bedroom allergen-free
In addition to dust mites, pet dander, and other pollen allergens in your bedroom can trigger your allergies. Keeping the windows closed in the bedroom is important to prevent pollens from getting on the bed and triggering allergy symptoms. An allergen-free room creates a more comfortable space!
The Bottom Line
Each small step you take can lead to a more restful night and better days ahead. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can help identify underlying causes and recommend treatments that may provide additional relief. Remember, you don't have to deal with this alone.
References:
- Postnasal Drip. (2024, May 1). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23082-postnasal-drip
- Professional, C. C. M. (2024d, August 5). Antihistamines. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/antihistamines
- Rhinitis Medicamentosa. (2024, May 1). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23393-rhinitis-medicamentosa
