how to get rid of dry throat at night - #22522
I am really struggling with this annoying problem of how to get rid of dry throat at night. Like, every single night, I wake up feeling super scratchy and uncomfortable, and I just can’t seem to rest properly. It started a couple of weeks ago, and I thought maybe it was just allergies or dry air since I live in a really dry area. I’ve tried drinking more water during the day, but it doesn’t help that much. It’s like every time I turn over in bed, my throat feels like sandpaper. I even bought a humidifier, but honestly, I don’t notice much difference. I read somewhere that sleeping with my mouth open can cause this, but how do I fix that?? Sometimes I wake up and realized I’ve been breathing through my mouth, which is just not cool. I really wanna know how to get rid of dry throat at night for good because this is driving me crazy! I’m worried it’s something more serious, but I’m also just tired of waking up each morning feeling like I need to chug water. Should I try lozenges, or maybe certain teas, or even like a special pillow? What do you guys think? Any tips or tricks on how to get rid of dry throat at night would be amazing!
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Doctors' responses
Addressing a nightly dry throat can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’ve already tried some solutions without success. Given your description, there are several things to consider that might be helpful. Since you live in a dry area, your instinct to use a humidifier was a good one; ensure it’s functioning properly and consider placing it near your bed to maximize its effectiveness. Another common cause can indeed be mouth breathing. This can be due to nasal congestion, leading you to breathe through your mouth at night, drying out the throat. Try a saline nasal spray before bed to clear the nasal passages, or nasal strips to keep them open. You mentioned already increasing water intake, which is good; continue doing that, but try to take small sips right before sleeping as well. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime as both can contribute to dehydration. Special pillows that support comfortable sleeping positions, preventing neck strain and promoting proper oral airway position, might help discourage mouth breathing. On another note, try lozenges or herbal teas with honey and lemon before bed, as these can soothe the throat and possibly stimulate saliva production during the night. If the problem persists or you notice more worrisome signs such as snoring, sleep apnea might be a possibility, and assessing this with a healthcare professional could be worthwhile. Especially, if jaw or throat issues affect sleep quality, seeking advice or a diagnosis from your doctor could offer more personalized treatment. They might also evaluate if there’s any underlying condition contributing to dryness that needs attention.
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