How to Sleep Better With a Cold

Sleeping with a cold can be very difficult, but getting plenty of rest is essential when you are ill. Nasal congestion, coughing and a sore throat can all prevent a good night of sleep and leave you feeling worse the next morning. Unfortunately, because colds are caused by viral infections, there is not much you can do to speed the recovery process. While you are waiting for your symptoms to improve, there are a number of things you can do to sleep better with a cold.

Things You'll Need

• Extra pillows Humidifier Over-the-counter decongestant Over-the-counter pain reliever Honey or lemon tea

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Instructions

• 1

  Raise the head of your bed, or prop yourself up with pillows to improve your ability to breathe during the night. Raising your head higher than the rest of your body will help keep your sinuses open and make it easier to cough. Try placing a few pillows under your mattress, stack a few under your head, or sleep in a chair in a semi-upright position for a few days.

• 2

  Turn on a humidifier. Humidifying the air will keep your mucous membranes moist, thin nasal and bronchial secretions, and help relieve coughs while you are sleeping. Warm mist humidifiers are often more beneficial than cold mist humidifiers, but they must be cleaned frequently.

• 3

  Take an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve the symptoms of nasal congestion and coughing. Whenever possible, choose medicines that contain only one ingredient. Combination medications are rarely necessary, and many contain ingredients that may actually prevent sleep in some people.

• 4

  Try a mild pain reliever for sinus pressure or pain caused by congestion. These medications will also help any fever you might have. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are good choices for most people.

• 5

  Watch out for dehydration, which can make cold symptoms worse. Some cold medications, not eating and drinking properly, and fever can all cause dehydration. Make sure you increase your intake of water while you are sick. Extra fluids will also help thin out mucous, making it easier to breathe.

• 6

  Drink a warm cup of tea before heading to bed. Make certain the tea does not contain caffeine, which may keep you awake. Honey and lemon are great for easing sore throats and opening up the sinuses.

• 7

  Follow your doctor's orders and take any prescription medications as prescribed. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic to treat an existing infection or to prevent one from occurring, finish taking the medication until the bottle is empty. Stopping the antibiotics as soon as you start to feel better will allow the bacteria an opportunity to return.