Nighttime Cough (Part 2) – Inhaler Trick & Sleep Supporting Tips
I’ve had a terrible upper respiratory cold over the past couple of weeks. It’s what inspired me to write Part 1 which includes a Nighttime Cough aromatherapy inhaler blend.
One of the worst parts about having a cold with a cough is the chest tickle that keeps you up at night. Getting enough sleep is important at all times and especially when you are under the weather. So, managing the irritating tickle that makes you cough as soon as you lie down is vital for improving the quality of your sleep.
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Diffuser vs Inhaler for Nighttime Cough
You can certainly diffuse a breath-opening essential oil blend, or keep a jar of menthol chest rub handy throughout the night. However, what I’ve found works best when I’m really congested and can’t get sleep due to cough, is an inhaler!
A couple of really good slow inhales while you are upright and just before going to bed kicks things off. But, when I have a nighttime cough with congestion, I need more than that to help me rest, and for me a diffuser just doesn’t do enough. So, here’s my tip for using a cold and cough inhaler while sleeping.
💚Tricky Tip for Using Your Nighttime Cough Inhaler
I tried using the inhaler just before sleep and that helped me relax and lessened the stuffiness of my nose. However, I found that after a bit, I began to cough, again. So, I came up with an out-of-the-box way to use my inhaler.
I open my inhaler and set the cap aside. I then settle myself on my pillow (I’m a side sleeper) and place the inhaler facing towards me on my pillow a few inches from my face. I then “pin” the inhaler in place with my hand—this is where I would naturally put my hand anyway, so it works for me.
The concentrated aroma of the essential oil blend passively fills the space right in front of me. Despite having a stuffy nose, I can feel the cooling in my sinuses, which helps enhance the feeling of air movement. It also tells me those calming phytochemicals are getting a chance to work on my limbic system.
Let’s face it, who can get enough air through a stuffed nose?! So, I’ve been doing a lot of mouth breathing. But, because I’m breathing through my mouth, those breath-opening properties are going right where I need them. I’ve found a significant decrease in my nighttime cough spasms, which allows me to get much needed rest.
In addition, if you also have throat irritation from inflammation, post nasal drip, or infection, mouth breathing of the aromatics can cool and soothe inflamed tissues. I also find that my throat is less dry when I wake—the same is true if I run a diffuser or humidifier while I’m sleeping.
Sure, I’ll have to refresh my inhaler before too long. I can certainly tell the difference in the aroma from when I first started using it a week ago. Since I’m falling asleep with it, the inhaler is remaining open for hours, speeding the evaporation of the essential oils. Trust me, though. It is so worth it!
More Nighttime Cough Sleep Support Tips
Sip a cup of hot herbal tea, like Elanen naturals’ Organic Breathe Tea, about an hour before bed. Laura, my friend at Elanen naturals, sent me a bag of this tea and it was so soothing to my itchy throat and cough.
Take a warm (not hot) shower or bath before bed. If you “pre-steam” the bathroom, the steam will help loosen mucus and moisturize the airway. Place a drop or two of your favorite conifer essential oil on a wet washcloth and hang it in the shower.
Soak feet in a very warm foot bath just before going to sleep. If you also have a headache, place an ice pack on the top of your head while soaking your feet. For added support stir in a small amount of Power Down essential oil blend mixed into Jojoba wax/oil.
Run a cool mist humidifier while you sleep. This is the one we have. It’s quiet and I can add a couple of drops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and Black Spruce (Picea mariana) essential oil to the well for additional sleep support.
Apply Menthol Vapor Chest Rub and cover with a cotton cloth. You can also massage a small amount in to the soles of your feet and cover with soft socks.
Drink lots of fluids throughout the day. The more hydrated your body is, the better it functions, especially when it comes to clearing the airways of mucus. Herbal teas (hot or cold) and water boosted with electrolytes and botanical extracts, like Nuun, help keep your body hydrated.
Sleep well!
📌Cough & Cold Pins
Mom’s Nighttime Cough Suppliers
You can find Mom’s Favorite Cough & Cold Care essential oils, disposable inhalers (I recommend these for illness), and soothing herbs on Amazon, or visit one of my favorite suppliers.
Preferred Essential Oil Suppliers
Each one of these favorite suppliers provides a wide selection of sustainable, therapeutic, beautifully aromatic, pure essential oils. Browse their inventory and imagine the aromatic possibilities!
- Aromatics International for ethically wildcrafted, organically sourced, and Certified Organic essential oils (Mom’s AI favorites)
- Plant Therapy for Certified Organic and sustainably sourced, conventional essential oils (Mom’s PT favorites)
- Also at Plant Therapy on Amazon
- Edens Garden (on Amazon) for sustainably sourced, conventional essential oils (Mom’s EG favorites)
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is for educational purposes only.
All recipes provided are for personal use and are not designed for re-sale or large-scale manufacturing.
Please consult your doctor, naturopath, herbal practitioner, or other qualified health professional for medical advice and before starting any herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, have any existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.
Chris P | Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Chris (“Mom”) enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. An avid reader, writer, and lifetime learner, Chris enthusiastically explores research rabbit holes and then writes about her discoveries.💚 (Learn more >>)
