Get Dry Throat at Night: Everything You Need to Know

Imagine. Your room is super cool, just the way you like it. Next, you get cosy, wrapping yourself in a blanket. But as you try to sleep, you feel a sense of dryness in your throat. So, you get up, drink a glass of water and get comfortable again. However, your throat still feels scratchy and dry, causing slight discomfort. Does this feel like a frequent occurrence? Because this is what a dry throat feels like. But fret not! We are here with all the information you need. We will walk you through everything you need to know about dry throat at night. 

What are dry throat symptoms?

Some of the symptoms of a dry throat at night are;

• Your throat feels rough 
• Itchy feeling 
• Scratchiness 
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

What causes a dry throat at night?

Generally, a dry throat means something minor, such as a dry atmosphere or cold. But let’s understand some common causes of a dry throat at night. 

Dehydration

One of the main causes of dry throat at night is dehydration. This can be a sign that you haven’t had enough water. On average, men must consume approximately 3.7 litres of water and women 2.7 litres of water. When you are dehydrated, the body doesn’t produce enough saliva, which is essential to keep the mouth and throat moist. Dehydration can cause;

• Too much thirst 
• Tiredness 
• Dizziness 
• Dry mouth 
• Less urine than usual 
• Darker urine 

Sleeping with your mouth open

If you are someone who sleeps with their mouth open, you may wake up with a dry throat. It is because the saliva dries up the mouth and throat. It can also lead to bad breath, snoring, and fatigue. You may also experience dry mouth here. So, if you are wondering how to prevent dry mouth while sleeping, make sure you sleep with your mouth closed. 

Hay fever or allergies

Allergic conditions like hay fever, may lead to a dry throat. Hay fever is a condition that occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive due to harmless particles present in your surroundings. Common triggers are grass, pet dander, mould, dust mite, and pollen. Allergic conditions also produce other symptoms, such as;

• Stuffed nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes, skin, or mouth 
• Cough

Cold

The common cold is a condition that occurs due to virus infections, and one of the symptoms is a rough or scratchy throat. It is also accompanied by other symptoms, such as;

• Runny or stuffed nose
• Coughing and sneezing 
• Mild fever 
• Throat ache
• Body pain 

Flu

Flu is a respiratory illness that hampers the lungs, nose, and throat. It is an infectious disease caused by viruses. This condition leads to dry mouth and throat at night, along with sore or scratchy throat. Some of the other symptoms you may experience include

• Fever
• Chills 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Headaches 
• Muscle soreness 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Cough 

Acid reflux or GERD

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid travels back toward the oesophagus. This acid can mildly burn the lining of the oesophagus and can also lead to other symptoms apart from dry itchy throat, such as;

• A burning sensation in the chest 
• Unable to swallow properly 
• Dry cough 
• Burping sour fluid 
• Rough voice 

Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection that makes your throat sore and is caused by bacteria. It also leads to dry throat along with other symptoms, like; 

• Red or swollen tonsils 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Body ache 
• Fever 
• Rash 
• Swollen lymph nodes 

Tonsillitis

Tonsilitis is an infection that affects the tonsils, the two tissue masses present in the backside of the throat. This condition can cause sore and dry throat along with symptoms like;

• Fever 
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rough voice 
• Bad breath
• Swollen or red tonsils 
• Headache 

Mononucleosis

Commonly known as mono, it is a condition caused by viruses. This disease spreads from one person to another and leads to a scratchy and dry throat. It also causes other symptoms, such as;

• Fever 
• Swollen tonsils 
• Lymph nodes become swollen in the neck and armpit
• Headache
• Fatigue 

Overuse of voice

When you talk or yell too much without a break, it can irritate and inflame your vocal cords leading to laryngitis. It also causes hoarseness of the voice, weak voice, and raw or sore throat. 

Lifestyle habits 

Habits like smoking or alcohol consumption before bed can lead to a dry throat. Overconsuming alcohol can also cause dehydration and contribute to dryness of the throat. 

Dry throat home remedies and treatment

These easy home remedies and treatments can ease dry throat and provide relief almost instantly. 

• Tulsi and honey have been used in Ayurveda for ages and can work well to combat dry throat. Tulsi is rich in medicinal properties, while honey contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. 
• Turmeric is an antioxidant that can get rid of infections and dry throat. A glass of turmeric milk before bed can do wonders. 
• To keep your throat moist, all you need is a mouthful of ghee. For this home remedy, put a whole peppercorn in your mouth and gulp it down with a teaspoon of lukewarm ghee. 
• For a sore dry throat, herbal tea can be a beneficial dry throat at-night remedy. 

When to Talk to Your Doctor

You must see a doctor if you experience the below-mentioned problems.

• If you are unable to swallow properly 
• If you feel tightness in the chest or shortness of breath 
• If you notice rashes or chest pain 
• If you feel extremely fatigued 
• If you experience a high fever over 101-degree Fahrenheit

Conclusion

A dry throat can indicate a head cold, dehydration, or sleeping with your mouth open, particularly in winter. Home remedies include consuming warm liquids like broth or tea and using throat lozenges. If symptoms persist or worsen after a week, consult a doctor.

FAQs