A Few Tips to Sleeping Better with a Cold

If you hate colds and you know it clap your hands! Ok, yes we all do. During this time of year, it is all too common to catch a cold. Unfortunately, they not only make you feel terrible, they keep you from getting a good nights sleep. If you are like me, you find yourself sleeping with your mouth wide open because you can't breath through your nose, you toss and turn, and coughing spurts always get the best of you. Fret no more my friends. Thanks to WebMD.com, I think I may have uncovered some tips to help us snooze a little better while fighting a cold (AKA: the nastiness).

1. A humidifier will become your best friend. This puts moisture back into the air so that you aren't breathing in dry air all night. Also, steam can be a great benefit for you if you are congested. It can soothe the tissue in your nose and help you breathe easier all around.
2. A hot shower before bed will help tremendously. If I could take a hot shower all day while I'm sick I would, but especially before bed. The stream opens up your sinuses and helps you to breathe easier, too. Even if you just want to sit in the shower while the water runs with the door closed, it will work wonders.
3. Taking the proper medications is very important. You always want to make the cold medicine and it's ingredients with your symptoms. Being cautious will also prevent you from taking two cold medications that are for the same thing (which is a big 'no no').
4. If one of your symptoms is a stuffy nose, a nasal spray can offer some relief. The downside is that if you use it for more than three days in a row, it could make your congestion worse.
5. For a sore throat, gargling warm salt water will help big time. I have done it several times and it really helps.
6. Nasal strips rocks! Although they cannot cure your congestion, if you put one on before bed, it well allow air to flow through your sinuses so you aren't left sleeping with your mouth open.
7. Keeping an already made saline rinse handy will be of great benefit. There are multiple ways to keep it on you. For instance, a spray bottle on your desk at work.
8. Mentholated chest rub is a big help as well. The mentholated rub will help to clear up your nasal passages enough to allow you to breathe easier.
9. Keep your head elevated when you sleep. This helps the the 'crud' in your sinuses to drain out and offer pressure relief from your head.
10. Make sure to keep up a regular sleep schedule. When your body is well rested, your immune system can fight off your cold more easily.

Having a cold is like a never ending round with a bully. It makes you feel like poop and delivers a big dose of the 'don't wants.' Hopefully these tips offer you some relief if you are currently fighting a cold or put it in your back pocket for when that day comes. Stay happy, stay healthy, and Happy Holidays!