Published on: 6/20/2025
What might cause my voice to become hoarse at night?
Your voice may become hoarse at night due to factors like aging, lack of sleep, or using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.
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Explanation
Hoarseness at night can be caused by several factors. Aging can lead to changes in the voice, as seen in older adults. As we age, the structures in our voice box can change, leading to a hoarse voice.
Sleep deprivation is another factor that can affect your voice. When you don't get enough sleep, your vocal cords might not work as well, making your voice sound hoarse or tired.
Lastly, if you use a CPAP machine to help with breathing during sleep, it might also cause changes in your voice. CPAP machines help people with sleep apnea breathe better at night, but they can sometimes dry out the throat or affect the vocal cords.
If your voice is hoarse at night, consider these factors. Ensuring you get enough sleep and managing any devices you use at night might help. If the problem continues, it might be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider.
(References)
- Lundy DS, Silva C, Casiano RR, Lu FL, & Xue JW. (1998). Cause of hoarseness in elderly patients. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 9560099.
- Bagnall AD, Dorrian J, & Fletcher A. (2011). Some vocal consequences of sleep deprivation and the .... Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation, 21402470.
- Hamdan AL, Sabra O, Rifai H, Tabri D, & Hussari A. (2008). Vocal changes in patients using nasal continuous positive .... Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation, 18762134.
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