Modern technologies.
Buy a humidifier. This device allows you to maintain the required level of humidity in the room. Humid air helps reduce nasal congestion, makes breathing easier, soothes and reduces sore throats. The mucous membrane of the nasopharynx is covered with a special protective secretion that prevents viruses from entering the body. However, this secretion performs its functions only at normal humidity. If it is too dry, the mucous membrane dries out, cracks and loses its barrier function, making the body much more vulnerable to airborne infections. Thus, it is recommended to use a humidifier for colds, as well as for the prevention of other diseases. Thanks to this device, your sleep during a cold will be better.
Modern medicine.
Of course, we can’t cure a cold quickly, but we can alleviate some unpleasant symptoms. If you have a stuffy nose, use nasal congestion medication so that you can breathe freely during sleep. If the pain interferes with sleep, take painkillers such as Brufen or Meftal.
Nasal patches.
Nasal patches stretch the wings of the nose and widen the nasal passages, helping the patient to sleep well at night. They do not reduce the amount of mucus in the nasal passages, but help to let more air through. Always consult your doctor before using the patch.
Saline solution.
The saline solution can be easily prepared at home or purchased at a pharmacy. To make it at home, just mix water and salt. Rinse the sinuses with the resulting solution several times a day and at bedtime.
Warm shower.
After a long and exhausting day, it is desirable to take a warm shower, which will help open the sinuses and allow you to breathe more freely. As it can be very difficult to fall asleep during a cold, take a shower just before bed. It is recommended to take a warm shower only when there is no fever.
Basic principles of physics.
You do not need to be a physics professional to know some basic principles of physics. When the head is raised, much less mucus accumulates in the sinuses. But sleeping in a vertical or sitting position is not very comfortable, so it is better to just increase the tilt of the head. So just use a small pillow.
Squats or inclines.
Of course, playing sports with a cold is not too much fun. But any type of physical activity helps to reduce (at least for a short time) the most unpleasant symptom of a cold – nasal congestion. Thus, before going to bed it is enough to do a few light inclines or squats, and it will be a little easier to breathe. The main rule is to do everything slowly, without overloading the body.
Eat hot soup for dinner.
Steaming hot soup can help relieve nasal congestion so you can breathe freely during sleep. Some studies have shown that hot soups can help reduce airway inflammation during a cold. This, in turn, helps to further alleviate the unpleasant symptoms of a cold.
Comfort in your bedroom.
During a cold, any slight discomfort in the bedroom can make it difficult to fall asleep. Be sure to ventilate your bedroom before bed and darken it well. Use comfortable bedding to sleep comfortably.