Sleep well, live well
7 Tips to Sleep Well with the Flu
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: December 31, 2023
- General, Sleep
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The flu season is already shaping up to be the most widespread outbreak since public health authorities began keeping track years ago. If you’re not already sick, there’s a good chance some of your friends, family members, or colleagues are.
If you are experiencing the dreaded flu symptoms of chills, fatigue, fever and muscle aches, getting a good night’s’ sleep can be difficult.
Rest is key to feeling better and getting relief from flu symptoms, but quality sleep can be hard to come by. Here are seven tips to Sleep Well with the Flu.
- Position your head higher. Sinus pressure gets worse when you lie down, causing postnasal drip to build up and making you cough. Make a wedge with a few pillows to prop yourself up in bed. You may breathe and sleep a little easier.
- Treat the fever. Fever symptoms often include feelings of cold and hot, which can lead to night sweats. Try using fever-reducing medications before bed to help alleviate night sweats.
- Drink or eat something hot. Breathing the steam from hot soup or drinks can help your dried-out nasal passages, loosen mucus, and make it easier to clear your airways. Add some honey to soothe your throat and help with cough. Alternatively, try taking a hot bath or shower before bed.
- Try cold and flu medicines. There plenty of over-the-counter nighttime medicines for cold and flu symptoms, so make sure you read the labels carefully. Match your symptoms with the right medications, and vasoconstrictors like pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. If you’re not sure what’s right for your symptoms, ask your pharmacist.
- Don’t drink alcohol. Sure, it may make you drowsy. But it actually makes people wake up more during the night. Alcohol can also dry you out, swell your sinuses, and react badly with cold or flu medicines. Wait until you’re feeling better.
- Get up and try something else. Sit in a chair and read for a little while or listen to music. Then, get back into bed when you feel sleepier.
- Turn off and unplug. Keep electronics such as phones, laptops and tablets out of the bedroom as they may disrupt sleep and cause distractions.
If you have the flu along with an existing disease that compromises your immune system, are experiencing a fever above 101 degrees that does not go down with medicine, or are having trouble breathing, call your doctor immediately.
If you have asthma or COPD, you may be at higher risk for complications from the flu. Take extra precautions to avoid getting sick in the first place. Wash your hands thoroughly and often and carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Avoid those who you know are sick or likely to be sick (like young children). Get your annual flu vaccine unless your doctor warns against it. Call your doctor if you begin to feel sick, or if your symptoms begin to flare up. Rest and take it easy if you do get the flu and take over the counter cold medication if your doctor says it is okay.
About Allergy, Sleep & Lung Care
Allergy, Sleep & Lung Care is dedicated to improving and maintaining the health status of their patients by providing compassionate, top quality care. The respected practice provides excellence in patient care with the innovation that counts. The highly experienced team continues to provide a level of care and treatment that is unmatched on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Allergy Sleep & Lung Care is located at16420 HealthPark Commons Drive, Suite 100 Fort Myers, FL 33908, with a second location at 260 Beth Stacey Boulevard, Suite 220 Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.
QUESTIONS ABOUT A SLEEP ISSUE? LET’S TALK.
Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He has been actively serving the community of Lee County, Florida since 2004, with a strong focus on a proactive healthcare approach. Dr. Ahmad has received advanced training from some of the most prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Cornell University, State University of New York at Brooklyn, and the University of Mississippi. SOMNAS is a medical facility that is committed to improving and maintaining the health of patients with sleep disorders. The expert team at SOMNAS is known for their compassionate and high-quality care. They offer unparalleled treatment and care to patients on the Gulf Coast of Florida, ensuring a better and healthier life for them.
Job Title: Board Certified in Pulmonary Medicine
