This article was co-authored by Marc Kayem, MD and by How.com.vn staff writer, Hannah Madden. Dr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
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When you have a cold, resting up is essential to a fast recovery. Unfortunately, your cold symptoms might make it tough to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can adjust your surroundings and your medicines to get a more restful night's sleep when you have a cold. Keep reading to learn how you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionDoes a lack of sleep increase your chances of catching a cold?
Marc Kayem, MDDr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.
Sleep SpecialistYes. When you don't get enough sleep for a prolonged period of time, it can compromise your immune system. This increases your chances of catching a cold. If you can get enough sleep, you'll be less likely to get sick. You'll also be less irritable, have an easier time concentrating, and find it easier to maintain a positive mood.
Tips
- If you have any questions about medications to help relieve your symptoms, you can talk to your pharmacist. They can give you advice about which over-the-counter medications will best help your symptoms, and they can advise you about which medications cannot be combined.Thanks
Warnings
- Don’t give cold medicine to a child under the age of 4. If you’d like to treat your child’s cold symptoms, ask your doctor about what medication is right for them.[20]Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.sleep.org/6-ways-sleep-off-cold/
- ↑ Marc Kayem, MD. Sleep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-the-ideal-sleeping-temperature-for-my-bedroom/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/
- ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/shower-before-bed
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/what_to_do_about_sinusitis
- ↑ https://www.sleep.org/6-ways-sleep-off-cold/
- ↑ Marc Kayem, MD. Sleep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 October 2019.
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-dos-and-donts-of-easing-cold-symptoms
- ↑ https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-disorders/snoring/snoring-strips/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nasal-sprays-work-best-when-you-use-them-correctly-heres-how/
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000466.htm
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681004.html
- ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682492.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351611
- ↑ https://www.cochrane.org/CD004822/AIRWAYS_antibiotics-prolonged-moist-cough-children
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-give-kids-medicine-coughs-and-colds
About this article
To sleep with a cold, take a hot shower right before bed, which will clear up your sinuses and relax your muscles so it's easier to sleep. You can also try sleeping with an extra pillow or two so your head is inclined, which will relieve sinus pressure so you don't wake up in pain. If you're having trouble falling asleep because you're coughing a lot or your throat hurts, try taking some cough syrup or a pain reliever before you get into bed. To learn how to adjust the lighting and temperature in your room so it's easier to sleep, scroll down!
Reader Success Stories
"I have a terrible cold, but propping myself upright a bit more with pillows has helped me sleep better. Thanks for the advice."..." more
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