Why do colds get worse at night

This nighttime spike in immune system activity and inflammation can also bleed into the morning hours, he says. The absence of distractions may heighten your perception of some symptoms, says Dr. Also, lying down could stoke some congestion-related symptoms. If congestion is your biggest issue, it may be helpful to elevate your head with a few pillows, he says. This can help your mucus drain, preventing a big build-up in the back of your throat or in your sinuses.

And because you drink less at night than you do during the day, nighttime snot can become viscous and clog your nose and airways. Drink plenty of fluids during the day to keep your mucus thin and watery, not thick and gunky, Smolensky says. Another remedy: take something to treat your most bothersome symptoms. Whether you rely on over-the-counter decongestants or natural curatives like chicken soup which research has linked to a drop in inflammation among people with respiratory tract infections , these common therapies can provide short-term relief, says Dr.

Jeffrey Steinbauer, a professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. So using all the weapons at your disposal to ease your nocturnal symptoms is a smart idea.

Try adding an extra pillow to raise your head higher and promote sinus drainage. As you have heard many times, the best thing to do when you are sick is to rest. Otherwise, you will be stressing out and elevating your cortisol levels. When you feel sick, turn to the doctors at Intercoastal Medical Group.

One of our family practice or internal medicine providers will be happy to see you and get you on the path to recovery. You can request an appointment online now. Learn about the latest news in health care, advances in medicine, updates from our practice, and tips for achieving better health.

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But the added moisture in the air could help you breathe better. Always use distilled or purified water in a humidifier. Change the water every day and clean it regularly to prevent bacterial and mold growth.

The steam of a hot shower may help thin out and drain the mucus in your sinuses, which can make it easier to breathe. A warm shower is also a great way to relax before bedtime.

Make sure the water is hot but comfortable. Keep the bathroom door closed to let the steam accumulate. For a soothing spa-like experience, you may want to use aromatherapy shower tablets with peppermint or eucalyptus oil. When inhaled, the cooling effects of these ingredients may help you feel less congested.

Drinking alcohol may disrupt your ability to get quality rest. Plus, alcohol is a diuretic. It suppresses the antidiuretic hormone, which stops your kidneys from overproducing urine. When this happens, you will likely pee more often. This can lead to dehydration , making it hard for your body to recover. Stay well hydrated by avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of water instead. According to a study , the temperature of your bedroom is one of the most important factors that can affect your quality of sleep.

To keep your room at this temperature , you can:. Most cold symptoms last around 7 to 10 days. In some cases, you might have a hard time getting good quality sleep due to congestion, coughing, or a runny nose. Fortunately, there are ways to help relieve your symptoms.

Other options include natural remedies like warm beverages, saltwater gargles, a hot shower, or stacked pillows. Depending on your symptoms, some tips might work better than others. If your cold gets worse or persists for more than 3 weeks, be sure to follow up with a healthcare provider.

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