5 tips for sleeping well with a cold

Getting the sniffles can make good sleep really difficult.While the restrictions and guidelines in place for coronavirus means less people are getting sick with the cold and flu, that doesn’t mean we’re able to escape those sicknesses entirely.Here are 5 tips to help you sleep well the next time you come down with a blocked nose.1. Drink a hot drinkA a hot drink before bed can help relieve a sore throat and the steam from said beverage can clear a blocked nose.Some good options for this are herbal teas, hot water with lemon juice & honey, or a low-sodium broth.2. Take a warm showerA nice warm shower is a great way to relax before bed at the best of times, but when you have a cold it can be doubly helpful.The warmth and the steam both work together to clear out sinuses and make it easier to breathe.3. Use medicationSometimes the most obvious solution is the most helpful. Taking medicine to relieve your symptoms can be the difference between no sleep and great sleep.Apart from standard cold and flu medications, nasal decongestants and cough medicine can be a great way of targeting specific symptoms and providing relief.4. Buy a humidifierIf the air in your bedroom is too dry your sinuses can become irritated, making your symptoms worse.A humidifier can lessen this by adding moisture to the air, helping you breathe easier.5. Stack your pillowsSleeping on multiple pillows is a great way to slightly elevate your head and avoid a buildup of mucus in your throat.Don’t go overboard though; too many pillows can result in neck pain and discomfort. Two should be enough.We hope these tips come in handy the next time you need to sleep with the sniffles.Sleep well, live well.