Waking up with a dry or sore throat is never a pleasant way to start the day. For some, it happens now and then, often after a cold. For others, it’s a regular frustration that can affect both sleep and how refreshed you feel in the morning.
Although a dry or sore throat in the morning isn’t usually serious, it can sometimes be a sign of something else that needs checking. Understanding what might be causing your throat discomfort is the first step towards finding relief and improving your sleep.
In this article, you’ll learn about common reasons for waking up with a sore or dry throat and when it may be helpful to see a specialist for further support.
Common causes of morning throat discomfort
Several factors can contribute to waking with a dry or sore throat. Identifying the cause is the first step towards finding relief.
Mouth breathing or snoring
One of the most common causes is breathing through your mouth (also known as ‘mouth breathing’), which is often linked with nasal congestion or snoring.
Breathing through the mouth, particularly overnight, dries out your throat. If you snore or have sleep apnoea, this can get worse as airflow becomes disrupted during sleep.
Dry indoor air
During colder months, central heating can significantly lower indoor humidity, drying out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat. This is especially common during winter and can cause a scratchy, uncomfortable throat even if you’re otherwise healthy.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux can cause morning throat discomfort when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus during the night. This acid can reach the lower part of the throat, irritating the lining and leading to a sore, burning sensation when you wake up.
People with acid reflux may also experience heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth or a feeling of something stuck in the throat. Night-time reflux is more likely when lying flat, especially after a late or heavy meal.
Viral infections or allergies
A dry or sore throat may be an early sign of an infection, like a cold or a viral sore throat. If you also experience a runny nose, mild fever or fatigue, it could be an infection.
Similarly, allergies to dust mites or mould – which can be found in bedrooms – can also irritate your throat, especially in the morning.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water during the day can leave your body dehydrated by morning. This can reduce the moisture in your mouth and throat overnight, increasing discomfort when you wake up.
Medications
Some medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants and certain blood pressure medicines, can lower saliva production. This may lead to dryness in your mouth and throat overnight, making you wake up with a sore or dry throat.
When should you be concerned?
An occasional sore or dry throat isn’t usually a cause for concern.
However, speak to a healthcare professional if you notice:
- Symptoms lasting longer than one to two weeks
- Hoarseness or voice changes that don’t improve
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling of something being stuck in the throat
- Blood in your saliva or a cough that doesn’t go away
Persistent symptoms may indicate chronic (long-term) sinus issues, sleep apnoea, acid reflux or a throat or vocal cord condition. Checking these symptoms early can help you rule out more serious causes and guide treatment.
Find support with ENT Sheffield
If morning throat discomfort affects your daily life or prevents restful sleep, seeing a specialist may help.
An ear, nose and throat (ENT) expert can examine your nasal passages, throat and voice box for inflammation, obstruction or signs of reflux. Treatment or management will depend on what’s causing your dry throat at night, but may include nasal sprays, other medicines or suggested changes in sleeping habits. Your ENT specialist might also suggest further tests if they suspect a structural issue in your nasal passages, throat or voice box or a problem with how your throat or voice box works (even if it looks normal).
For a detailed assessment and tailored advice, book a consultation with Mr Wale Olarinde at ENT Sheffield. With expertise in throat and airway conditions, he can identify the cause of your symptoms and offer a helping hand.