Sore throats are a common problem that many people suffer from at some point in their lives. A sore throat can be caused by a variety of things, such as a cold, allergies, or even overuse of the voice. While sore throats can be uncomfortable at any time of day, they often seem to be worse at night. There are several reasons why this might be the case.
Reasons Why Sore Throats Are Worse at Night
Dry Air: Dry air can irritate and worsen existing sore throat symptoms. During the night, the air in the room can become dry as the temperature cools. This dry air combined with the lack of humidity can make a sore throat more uncomfortable.
Posture: While sleeping, it is more common to sleep in a position that can worsen a sore throat. When lying down, the head is often tilted back, causing the throat to be held in an unnatural position. This can cause the throat to become strained, further worsening any existing sore throat symptoms.
Reaction to Cold: Many people have a tendency to react more severely to cold temperatures when they are sleeping. This can cause the throat and surrounding area to become more sensitive, making a sore throat more painful.
Frequent Throat Clearing: During the night, it is common for people to clear their throats more often. This throat-clearing can irritate and worsen the symptoms of a sore throat.
Tips for Reducing Sore Throat Symptoms at Night
Humidifier: Using a humidifier in the bedroom can help to reduce the dryness of the air, thus reducing the irritation of the sore throat.
Change Sleeping Position: Changing the sleeping position can help to reduce strain on the throat. Sleeping on the side or propping up the head with a pillow can help to reduce strain on the throat.
Keep Room Temperature Cool: Keeping the temperature of the room cooler can help to reduce the sensitivity of the throat and reduce the severity of the sore throat.
Avoid Throat Clearing: It is important to try to avoid throat-clearing as much as possible in order to reduce irritation of the sore throat.