According to research, 30 million doctor’s visits every year are due to a persistent cough. This symptom of the common cold can make life more of a hassle, especially when it comes to trying to get a good night’s sleep. So how can you get quality sleep when you have a cold or a cough? Let’s take a look at five tips:
Related Blog: How Quality Sleep Can Help Ward Off The Cold of Flu
Consume Some Honey
Honey is known is be a natural, safe, non-medical treatment for coughs and upper respiratory infections. Not only does it soothe a sore throat but it also has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. However, honey is not always a safe option for younger children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), honey is not advisable for kids less than a year old because it can contain the bacteria that causes infant botulism, a potentially fatal condition.
Take Cough Medicine/Use a Lozenge
If you do choose to go the modern route, then cough medicine is a valid option when you want to get a good night's sleep with a cough - but moderation is key in how you use them. Overusing medication can impact how long it takes a person to recover from their illness or lead to other negative side effects.
If you are experiencing a dry cough, then a throat lozenge may be a better solution. Lozenges can confer different benefits depending on what they're made of. Menthol helps to open up your sinuses, Vitamin C can lower the severity of a cold, and others include ingredients that provide comfort to a sore throat.
Drink Warm Beverages
A nice, heated beverage is another home remedy to help you sleep with a cough. Warm water with honey and lemon, herbal teas, and a bowl of soup are all popular options. Have your drink at least an hour before going to bed to maximize the effects.
Elevate Your Head/Neck
If you have a cold, lying flat on your back can cause mucus to collect in your throat more easily, causing a cough, and making sleeping a more arduous task. Using a wedge or multiple bed pillows to prop your head up will help you avoid postnasal drip effects. However, elevating your head too highly could lead to neck pain and general discomfort.
Use a Humidifier
Breathing in air that's too dry can irritate your throat and lead to a nasty coughing fit. A humidifier can help you achieve the recommended level of humidity (about 50%) in your bedroom so you can breathe properly and make the influenza virus less infectious for anyone else you live with.
At the same time, air that is too humid can also increase the prominence of allergens like dust and mold or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Use a hygrometer to get the exact measurements for the level of moisture in the air. It's also important to clean a humidifier on a regular basis and only use distilled water.
These strategies on how to sleep with a cold are all useful, but a good mattress is also fundamental to getting some good quality rest. Land of Sleep will help you find the best bed for you from a selection of major brands. We provide same-day delivery, will remove your old bed, and set up the new one all for free. If you have any questions about our products, feel free to contact us today.
