How to Help Postnasal Drip at Night

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Picture this—you've just snuggled into bed and are trying to drift off when you notice the dreaded postnasal drip. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to treat postnasal drip at home that will make you more comfortable. Whether it's relaxing, opening up your sinuses, or taking the right medication, there are home remedies for postnasal drip that will relieve irritation and help you get the rest you need!

1

Elevate your head.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Have you noticed that your throat feels clogged or scratchy when you wake up? While you sleep, mucus might be collecting in the back of your throat. To make yourself more comfortable, prop your head up with an extra pillow or two. [1]
    • If you're still really uncomfortable in bed, try sleeping in a reclining armchair until your postnasal drip improves.
    2. Advertisement
2

Use a humidifier.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If it's dry in your bedroom, the mucus in your throat and nasal passage might thicken and make you feel uncomfortably stuffed up. To relieve pressure and make it easier to swallow, run a humidifier in your bedroom so you breathe in moist air while you sleep. [2]
    • Don't have a humidifier? Don't worry—take a steamy shower before you go to bed. Breathing in the moist steam can help you feel less clogged.
3

Do a saline rinse before bed.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Fill a sterile squeeze bottle or neti pot with warm saline solution. Then, stand over a sink and tilt your head at a 45-degree angle. Breathe in and slowly pour the saline solution into the upper nostril so it drains out of the bottom one. Repeat this for the other nostril to clear your nasal passages of excess mucus. [3]
    • You can buy the saline solution from the pharmacy or make your own. Just mix 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 g) of table salt with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm distilled water.
    2. Advertisement
4

Take oral antihistamines before you turn in.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If uncomfortable pressure or clogged sinuses from postnasal drip are making it hard to sleep, try oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine. These work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose so it's easier to breathe and get comfortable. They can also make you drowsy. [4]
    • Antihistamines reduce mucus-production to relieve postnasal drip and they usually make you drowsy so they're great for nighttime.
    • Read the manufacturer's dosing instructions so you know how much medication to take and how often to take it. Most oral antihistamines shouldn't be used for more than 2 or 3 days.
5

Use a medicated nasal spray a few hours before bed.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If it's the constant coughing and stuffiness that keeps you up at night, use an intranasal spray about 2 hours before you go to bed. This gives the medication a chance to start working before you try to fall asleep. [5]
    • Look for sprays that contain fluticasone or triamcinolone to treat postnasal cough. Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
    2. Advertisement
6

Save decongestants for daytime.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most decongestants contain pseudoephedrine which works to open up stuffy sinuses. Unfortunately, it can make you feel jittery or keep you awake, so just use it during the daytime. [6]
    • Read OTC sinus medications carefully since some contain combinations of antihistamines and decongestants.
    • Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
7

Stay hydrated and keep water close by.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hopefully, you won't wake up with coughing or a scratchy throat, but if you do, have a glass of water on your bedside table. Water can temporarily stop you from coughing and it can help you clear mucus that's stuck in the back of your throat. [7]
    • Stay hydrated throughout the day, too! Sip water, decaffeinated tea, or juice to keep the mucus moving. If your throat dries out, it might start to feel scratchy.
    2. Advertisement
8

Place everything you need next to your bed.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's bad enough to be woken by a cough or throat irritation so make things easier on yourself by keeping water, cough drops, tissues, or pain relievers next to your bed. [8]
    • Have a bedside lamp or small light available so you can see your medication.
9

Try to relax and unwind in the hours before bedtime.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It can be hard to fall asleep even when you're not suffering from postnasal drip! Bright computer or tv screens and loud music could keep you energized, making it harder to drift off. To set yourself up for sleep success, avoid screens a few hours before you sleep and do something relaxing like journaling, yoga, or reading. [9]
    • Skip the caffeine and alcohol so it doesn't keep you alert when you're trying to fall asleep.
    2. Advertisement

Clear Congestion With This Expert Series

Living with congestion is hard. Decongest and get rid of your cough or breathing issues naturally with these expert articles.
1
How to Clear Chest Congestion & Get Rid of Symptoms Fast
2
Get Rid of a Chesty Cough
3
Decongest Naturally
4
Heal the Lungs Naturally
5
Improve Your Breathing
6
Relieve Head Congestion

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You may be able to find a sinus product that combines a decongestant with an antihistamine.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Complete Guide to Treating and Preventing Postnasal Drip
      How to
      Treat a Cut Inside Your Nose Safely & Quickly
      A Complete Medical Guide to Cold Sores on the Nose (with Pictures)
      How to
      Stop a Runny Nose Fast
      Soothing a Raw & Sore Nose (Plus, Decongestion Tips)
      How to
      Blow Your Nose
      How to
      Heal Nose Sores
      How to
      Stop a Sneeze
      Itchy Nose: What Does It Mean & What Should You Do About It?
      How to
      Clean Your Nostrils
      How to
      Make a Nasal Rinse
      How to
      Make Saline Nasal Spray
      How to
      Make Yourself Sneeze
      How to
      Stop a Nose Bleed
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip
      2. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip
      3. ↑ https://www.mottchildren.org/health-library/hw67090
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/ART-20047403?p=1
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/ART-20047403?p=1
      6. ↑ https://familydoctor.org/decongestants-otc-relief-for-congestion/?adfree=true
      7. ↑ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/postnasal-drip-not-usually-related-to-bad-breath/
      8. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep
      9. ↑ https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep
      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treatments-for-post-nasal-drip

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,351 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement