7 Tips to Sleep Well with the Flu
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: December 7, 2024
- General, Sleep
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.
- 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.
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Imtiaz Ahmad, MD, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad is a highly qualified physician, Board Certified in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. He 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