Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Cough In Dream Leading To Awakening?

Hi, I don t think it s a huge problem but I was wondering if it s something to be concerned about. For the past couple of nights I have had dreams where I am coughing and then I suddenly wake up violently coughing. It s really strange I know and probably nothing to worry about but could you please let me know what it might be. Thank you.
Mon, 25 May 2015
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Waking up violently coughing has nothing to do with the dream. You are probably coughing and your subconscious is making you feel like you are coughing in your dream so that maybe you can wake up.

My first concern would be obstructive sleep apnea and that your oxygen level is dipping low enough and the cough is your brain's way of waking you up so that you can take a breath of air to raise your oxygen level.

Other issues could be post-nasal drip or asthma.

You need to talk to physician to have a sleep study done. I would recommend a full overnight polysomnography because if you are coughing that is waking you up, you may need treatment that night during the study which would be a trial of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Cough In Dream Leading To Awakening?

Waking up violently coughing has nothing to do with the dream. You are probably coughing and your subconscious is making you feel like you are coughing in your dream so that maybe you can wake up. My first concern would be obstructive sleep apnea and that your oxygen level is dipping low enough and the cough is your brain s way of waking you up so that you can take a breath of air to raise your oxygen level. Other issues could be post-nasal drip or asthma. You need to talk to physician to have a sleep study done. I would recommend a full overnight polysomnography because if you are coughing that is waking you up, you may need treatment that night during the study which would be a trial of continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP.