Dry Throat in Morning: Feeling dry or sore throat as soon as you wake up in the morning is not just an uncomfortable start. It could also be a signal from the body that something is not going right inside. The reason for this could be our sleeping style, the air in the room or the internal balance of the body. If the real cause is understood, then long-lasting throat pain or sleep-related problems can be avoided. Let us tell you due to what reasons this happens.
mouth breathing during sleep
The most common, but overlooked reason for dry throat in the morning is mouth breathing. When we breathe through the mouth instead of the nose, the air passes directly over the delicate layers of the throat and dries them. A study published in ‘Annals’ shows that sometimes problems like blocked nose, crooked nasal bone or sleep apnea become the reason for mouth breathing. In the long run, this may also increase the problem of throat irritation and bad breath.
acid reflux at night
Many times the cause of dry throat is not breath but stomach acid. If during sleep the acid rises up from the esophagus and reaches the throat, burning sensation and dryness are felt in the morning. A 2024 report by NIH suggested that about 20 percent of reflux patients have laryngopharyngeal reflux, which does not cause heartburn but affects the throat.
drinking less water or dry air
Drinking less water throughout the day and sleeping in AC or heater at night, both can make the throat dry. During sleep, the body loses moisture with breathing and if the air is already dry, this effect increases further. A study by ResearchGate says that even mild dehydration reduces the production of saliva, which causes the throat to become more dry.
Snoring, suffocation or tiredness during the day
If there is snoring along with dry throat, pauses in breathing or feeling tired even after sleeping for 8 hours, then it can be a sign of sleep apnea. According to reports, in sleep apnea, the airways are partially closed, due to which the person starts breathing through the mouth and the throat becomes constantly dry.
Allergies and Post-Nasal Drip
Due to seasonal allergies, dust or pet allergies, mucus can accumulate in the throat at night and cause dryness and irritation.
effect of some medicines
Antihistamines, antidepressants or many blood pressure medicines reduce saliva production. If there is less saliva, the throat will become more dry at night. According to NIH, hundreds of medications can cause dry mouth and dry throat.
What to do?
- If your throat is dry after starting a new medicine, talk to your doctor.
- Drink more water and use sugar-free lozenges before sleeping.
How to keep your throat comfortable in the morning?
Small habits make a big difference, like humid air, right amount of water, trying to breathe through the nose and eating light before sleeping. But if this problem persists for weeks or increases, then definitely consult a doctor. Sometimes persistent dryness can also be a sign of serious problems related to thyroid or sleep.
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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