A little bit of honey might relief night time couching and sleeplessness. These are findings of a recent study at the Penn State College of Medicine.

A team of researchers studied a group of 105 children with difficulties sleeping because of cough. Some children were given either a small dose bit of buckwheat honey, dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant in many over-the-counter cold medicines, or no treatment at all.

The research team found that honey is more effective in reducing frequency and severity of night time cough than DM or no treatment. Honey also improved sleep quality through the night.

Honey is a long established remedy to treat upper respiratory infections. It has antioxidants and antimicrobial effects. And it soothes the throat on contact.

Some children were hyperactive for a short while after taking the honey, but did sleep better overall.

Dr. Ian Paul of the research team said that honey provides parents with a safe and effective alternative for children over the age of one with cough and cold symptoms.

He noted, however, that honey should not be given to children younger than one because of a rare risk of infantile botulism.

The World Health Organization also referred to honey as a potential remedy.
The FDA recently recommended that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under six years because of the lack of effectiveness and possible side effects.