Throaty When Tired?

It may be simple "vocal fatigue", which makes sense: if you are not sleeping as much...you are probably talking more and your vocal cords can actually become tired and fatigued (like the rest of your body)!

I have the hoarseness-sound or scratchy-voice in the morning upon waking, when phlegm or mucous drainage are more excessive and have not had time to "clear my throat" from lying down all night. (TMI?!)

Here are some tips that may help:
- Don't talk unless it is absolutely necessary and avoid whispering (whispering can strain the vocal cords more than speaking does!)
- Gargling does not help the vocal cords.
- Avoid decongestants because they dry the vocal cords and prolong irritation.
- If you smoke, reduce or stop smoking.
- Humidifying the air with a vaporizer may offer some relief
- Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent irritation.
- People unknowingly breathe poorly and don't use the air in their lungs in an efficient fashion for voice production (take a yoga or singing class to learn proper breathing techniques)