Home / Health / NHS Warns: Sleep Position May Worsen Covid Cough
NHS Warns: Sleep Position May Worsen Covid Cough
22 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Sleeping on your back can worsen postnasal drip for COVID-19 patients.
- The NHS advises resting on your side or sitting upright for a cough.
- Elevating your head may help reduce cough irritation and drainage.
With colder weather increasing the risk of seasonal illnesses like COVID-19, the NHS is providing targeted advice for symptom management. A continuous cough, defined as frequent coughing for over an hour or multiple bouts in a day, is a common COVID-19 symptom.
The health service emphasizes that lying on your back can worsen a cough by increasing postnasal drip. Medical experts suggest sleeping on your side or in an upright position can significantly alleviate this symptom.
To further ease a persistent cough, elevating the head while sleeping is recommended. This can be achieved by using an additional pillow or adjusting the bed. For ongoing cough concerns, consulting a pharmacist about available treatments is advised.
