Sleep better with a cold or flu

We’re deep into the chilly winter months now, and with winter comes colds and flu. There’s nothing worse than lying in bed trying to fall asleep when you have a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, a hacking cough, and aches and pains. In this blog post, we’ve rounded up a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold.

Cold and flu symptoms seem to get worse at night, and it feels like there’s more congestion when you’re lying down. Taking cold and flu medicine can help, although be careful to check the ingredients first. Some over the counter medicines contain a decongestant called pseudoephedrine, which makes many people stay awake.

Besides taking cold and flu medicine, below are a few tips to help you sleep better with a cold or flu:

  • Use a humidifier and/or take a hot shower or bath

Extra humidity or steam in the air will help calm your sinuses and ease congestion. It will also help relieve coughing. If you’re feeling chilly, a hot shower or bath will help warm you up and relax your body before bed.

  • Have a hot drink before bedtime

The steam from hot drinks will help your dried-out nasal passages and it will also help loosen phlegm, however make sure your drink is not caffeinated. Honey is a natural antibiotic and it is good for sore throats. Lemon contains vitamin C. You can also brew ginger tea, which also increases your vitamin C intake and encourages overall feelings of wellbeing.

  • Get extra pillows

Use extra pillows to make sure you’re not lying flat when you sleep. Sleeping flat on your back can make congestion worse, so try to elevate your head. The Sealy My CoolSmart Gel Pillow is a two in one pillow – one side has a gel layer which reduces heat build-up for a cooler sleep, while the other side is memory foam for a more gentle comfort.

  • Have everything you need close by

Be prepared for a rough night and stock your nightstand with everything you’ll need to get through the night. Have a big glass of water handy to ease your throat if you’re coughing. You might also need lots of tissues. Finally, also have a book or magazine handy in case you can’t fall asleep. Don’t be tempted to scroll on your phone – the blue light emitted from your device will make it even harder to fall asleep.

  • Create the optimal sleep environment

Try to make sure your room is at a comfortable temperature, and probably more towards the cooler side. If you have a fever, a cooler room will feel more comfortable. Try to make your room as dark and as quiet as possible, and place a hot water bottle at your feet for extra comfort.

 

 

 

 

 

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