Think about this for a moment: you’re just about to drift to sleep after an intense day of juggling work, market runs, and a never-ending to-do list.
But just as you’re about to drift off, an obstinate cough barges in, turning your peaceful slumber into a round of midnight aerobics. It’s as frustrating as the Lagos traffic on a Monday morning – utterly draining and seemingly never-ending.
But this does not have to be your nightly fate. With the right strategies, you can outsmart that nagging cough and unlock the door to restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Good sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential aspect of our health. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that quality sleep boosts the immune system, increases productivity, and uplifts mood.
So, losing sleep to a persistent cough can have effects that ripple through your day, leaving you feeling as drained as if you had just climbed Olumo Rock without a break.
losing sleep to a persistent cough can have effects that ripple through your day
So, how do you navigate this challenge and find relief? Drawing on advice from reputable health institutions like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Healthline, and the National Sleep Foundation, we’ve curated five practical and effective tips designed to help you tackle that sleep-bullying cough.
From hydration techniques to creating the optimal sleep environment, let’s journey together through these strategies, much like navigating the bustling aisles of Balogun Market, to discover your path to restful sleep.
Let’s dive in and prepare to reclaim your peaceful nights. After all, every Nigerian woman deserves to wake up feeling as refreshed as the early morning harmattan breeze, not like she’s spent the night wrestling a stubborn cough. Here’s to taking control of your sleep, one soothing tip at a time.
Hydration is key: According to the Mayo Clinic, hydrating adequately can soothe a sore throat and relieve a cough. 
Warm liquids like herbal tea or honey-infused water can be particularly soothing before bed. Just remember to sip, not gulp, to avoid late-night bathroom trips that disrupt your sleep.
Prop your head up: The Cleveland Clinic suggests that lying flat can intensify coughing, disturbing your sleep. 
Elevating your head can help gravity keep postnasal drip from triggering your cough. An extra pillow or two can make a world of difference – just be careful not to strain your neck or back.
Humidify your environment
Dry air can worsen your cough, much like harmattan can cause chapped lips. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a humidifier to add moisture to your room.
If a humidifier isn’t handy, a warm shower or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water before bed can also do the trick.
Consider a cough suppressant: Healthline suggests using over-the-counter cough suppressants to reduce coughing fits that interrupt your sleep. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
Cultivate a calming environment
A quiet, dark, and cool room is best for a good night’s sleep, as the National Sleep Foundation advises. Put away electronic devices before bed to help your mind wind down. After all, you wouldn’t blast afrobeats music while trying to meditate, would you?
By incorporating these suggestions into your bedtime routine, you’re arming yourself with powerful tools to combat a sleep-disrupting cough.
Don’t let a cough rob you of the restful night’s sleep you need and deserve. Good night, and sleep tight!
