How To Get A Good Night’s Sleep When You’re Sick

January 17, 2013 Subscribe · Forward How To Get A Good Night's Sleep When You're Sick We know that the right amount of shut-eye is key to avoiding illness this cold and flu season, as well as getting better fast. But anyone who has ever had a hacking cough or runny nose knows that's often easier said than done. Between the congestion and the coughing and the chills, trying to sleep while sick can feel more stressful than restorative. Not to mention that symptoms seem to worsen as bedtime approaches. "A lot of that has to do with positioning," says Jennifer Collins, M.D., an assistant professor of allergy and immunology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. "When you're sitting up, gravity is helping you. When you lie flat, that post-nasal drip starts pulling on the back of your throat, making it much more difficult to breathe through your nose. Most people end up breathing through their mouth and coughing, which is disruptive to sleep." While it certainly doesn't sound pleasant, there are some simple ways to alleviate symptoms and put a good night's sleep within reach.  Continue reading... What Chicken Noodle Soup Can Tell Us About Flu Rates You Get Your Health Info WHERE? Fewer People Are Dying Of Cancer I Lost Weight: Claire Alsop Feared Missing Out On Her Kids' Lives And Lost 162 Pounds Crossfit: Miss America Mallory Hagan And Other Celebrities Who Love The Workout Cold And Flu Prevention: 10 Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System How to Be Happier Every Day: 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood Sleep Better While Sick With A Cold Or The Flu The Most 'Xtreme' Meals in America Sleep Better While Sick With A Cold Or The Flu Pet First Aid: 5 Simple Tricks Every Owner Should Know ASHLEY DAVIS BUSH, LCSW 6 Simple Ways To Be Happier Intentionally make these six simple habits a regular part of your day and you can look forward to a very happy new year. Make the old you a happier you! Continue reading... HEATHER BAUER, RD, CDN Foods That Are 'In' And 'Out' In 2013 Food and fashion aren't so different. Throughout the years, we've seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes, we look back and say to ourselves, "What was I thinking?" This year is no different. Let's take a look at healthy trends that are in and the not-so-healthy trends that I hope to see on the way out! Continue reading... MICHAEL NEILL Understanding Insecurity What follows is not a trick question: Would you rather feel exhilarated, grateful, humble, inspired, resolute, compassionate, and content -- or fearful, sad, worthless, jealous, angry, overwhelmed, and bored? Continue reading... GINA BARRECA 5 Ways To Cope With Your Own Pet Peeves So what can we do about our "emotional allergies"? Can we do more than avoid them or weed them out of relationship landscape altogether? I mean, even if you're allergic to roses you might not want to eradicate them from the world's gardens, would you? Grab a tissue and let's see what we can do. Continue reading... MAGGIE LYON On The Spirit Of Help In taking a leavened, eyes-open view of our controlling emotion, we see through it and experience the curious and novel landscape beyond that of incapacity. When we honor its transparency, and accept it for what it is, helplessness is transformed into helpfulness. Continue reading... Received this from a friend? Sign up for alerts from The Huffington Post here Unsubscribe here.