Night Relief for a Cold

Having a cold can be a miserable experience, with symptoms including aches, a stuffy nose, a cough, and a sore throat. When the sun goes down and it is time for bed, all you want to do is fall asleep and escape these symptoms. There are a few simple tips and tricks you can utilize to find relief from your cold and get a good night's sleep.

Customize Your Environment

• Make your sleeping environment more comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep. Turn off the television and switch off the telephone. Dim the lights and keep your room a few degrees colder. Keep your head elevated with a few pillows to relieve sinus pain and congestion. You could also use a foam wedge instead of pillows.

Cool Air Humidifier

• Help keep the air in your sleeping area moistened with a cool air humidifier. The humidified air will help keep your nasal passages moist and calm a raw, dry throat. Avoid using a warm air humidifier because they can promote mold growth, which could aggravate your sinuses even further.

Cold Medication

• Take a nighttime cold medication. Look for medications that target specific symptoms, such as diphenhydramine for sinus pressure and ibuprofen for aches and pains. If possible, take these medications individually as opposed to a single pill that is intended to treat several symptoms. This will ensure you are only getting medicine for your specific needs and not taking anything that is unnecessary.

Fluids

• Drink fluids throughout the day. Try to drink at least 64 ounces of water and other liquids to help keep your throat and nasal passages well hydrated, which can give you some relief when it is time to rest. Orange juice is a great choice because it contains Vitamin C, which is believed to help boost your immune system to fight the cold. You can also drink a hot tea with a spoon full of honey right before bed. The warm liquid will help soothe a sore throat and help you relax just in time to fall asleep.