Why do I have a coughing fit just as I fall asleep?

[CadmiumRed]

It is driving me mad especially as I am generally suffering from insomnia. I have not got a cough or cold. But very frequently, just as I am falling asleep I wake up with a coughing fit.

How can I stop it?

Could be acid reflux.

Do you share a bed with anyone? Ask them if you seem to breath gold before you cough, it can be a sign of sleep apnoea

This is how I discovered I had anaemia.

My father in law had this and discovered it was his minty tooth paste as soon as he stopped using it he was fine.

Interesting suggestions, thank you. I don't think it's acid reflux as I never have heartburn or indigestion or any stomach pain. Also this feels tickly and irritating- higher up than I imagine reflux to be.

Could be sleep apnoea. It is usually just as I relax, and I don't generally sleep all that well.

How does anaemia cause this coughing? I don't think I am anaemic, but you never know.

Maybe it is minty toothpaste!

Post nasal drip?

I agree with ELR - I found that once I started drinking a glass of water after brushing my teeth in the evening, the cough stopped for me. Worth a try.

Having anaemia means there isn't enough haemoglobin to transport oxygen around the body which causes breathlessness and coughing especially at night. It can also cause insomnia.

It could be post nasal drip, (I nearly wrote post natal drip ) and I will try drinking water.

I am going to monitor who often wine is involved, too as apparently apnoea is worse after alcohol.