When you have a cough, why does it always get worse at night?

I think it might be because your system's defenses are lowered during your sleeping time and it's not as strong as when it i when you're awake during the day. But that's just a guess on my part.

Yeah, I'm afraid I have to agree with the other answers here. A Dr. visit does seem in order. Although I understand your reason for being reluctant to go. It is frustrating to pay to see a doctor only to hear, "Keep doing what your doing. Drink lots of fluids and call us if things don't improve." Been through that many times. I am always reluctant to see a doctor now. If using an antihistamine (like Benadryl) doesn't help dry up that drainage at night, I would see a doctor. Also, it helps to prop your head and shoulders up with pillows as much as possible at night to reduce some of that drainage and ease coughing. Best of luck to you my friend. I hope you feel better soon.

I think it is nature's way of tormenting you when you really need to sleep. I lost track of the times I just could not sleep because of coughing or post nasal drip. You toss and turn and cough and hack all night and before you know it, it's time to get up and get ready for work.

I always assumed it's because I don't swallow in my sleep. So the throat dries out and becomes more irritated. But I'm no medical expert. Heck, when I was a kid, I fell for the explanation that coughs were caused by angry monsters living in our throats.

I think because the snot goes down into our throats and into our chest , and then the mucus just sits there, making us want to cough to bring up the sitting mucus.

when I have a cough, it gets worst in the morning

Post-nasal drip

When you lie down, your snot drips into your throat and dries it out more, thus irritating it.

Also, your temperature increases at night regardless, so you'll be more likely to spike a fever at that time

Same reason you wake up with a dry mouth..

Good question!

your not lubricating the throat with saliva, as much.