Why does a cold get bad at night?

This is a common misconception. Cold symptoms don't get worse at night. However, the following factors may contribute to this perception:

* Lying down. When you are lying down, mucus can build up in your throat and nasal passages, causing congestion and a runny nose. This can make it harder to breathe and can worsen cold symptoms such as coughing and sneezing.

* Dry air. The air in your home may be drier at night, especially in winter when the heat is on. Dry air can irritate your throat and nasal passages, worsening cold symptoms.

* Body temperature. Your body temperature drops slightly at night, which can cause you to feel more tired and achy. This can also make cold symptoms feel worse.

* Lack of distractions. During the day, you may be distracted from your cold symptoms by work, school, or other activities. At night, when you are trying to relax and sleep, you may be more aware of your symptoms and feel like they are worse.