Sleep Is Just What the Doctor Ordered

By Donna Stark

So you thought you were safe, did you? You thought that since you survived all of your holiday travels with the crowds, airplanes, and hotels, you could count on not getting sick for what is left of the cold and flu season this year. But you would be wrong, wouldn't you? Because from past experience, you know that the tickle you are feeling in the back of your throat is not going to stay a tickle for long and that cough that kept you awake all night? Well, that's not going to leave anytime soon either. So what should you do?

Permission to Sleep

If you ever needed permission to stay home and sleep as much as you wanted, here it is! Because in addition to filling your body with plenty of nutrients and vitamins (start loading up on your Vitamin C), the next best thing you can do when feeling under the weather is to sleep! Sleep is the crucial time of recovery that your body uses to heal itself back to good health and it's needed now more than ever! But how can you get the rest you need when you are up all night coughing, aching, and struggling to breathe? Take a look at the following suggestions.

• Head to the drugstore - In order to sleep well, you need to control the symptoms that are keeping you awake, so head to the store and pick up some cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, sore throat reliever, and fever reducer. If you find yourself confused with all of the options, just ask the pharmacist for help.
• Sleep upright - If you have an adjustable bed or some extra pillows, it may help you breathe better if you sleep on an incline. Sleeping in this position can reduce the sinus pressure that oftentimes leads to headaches, throat irritation, and a persistent cough.
• Steam it up - You know you have it somewhere, so take the time to find it! Pulling out your humidifier can help soothe your dry, irritated sinuses and can help make breathing easier. Just be sure to follow the instructions and keep it clean!
• Keep your supplies close - There is nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night and needing a glass of water or reaching into an empty box of tissues, so keep all of your supplies filled and close at hand! It will make such a difference in how much sleep you get.

Sleep the Germs Away

Staying home and getting the rest you need is just what the doctor ordered, so change into your pajamas, grab the remote, and head to bed! You're finally getting what you have been dreaming of for months ... permission to sleep!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brookfield, Wis.