You know those people that never get sick?
Yeah, that’s not us.
I feel like all of us have the worst immune systems. I worked at a daycare for two years in high school, and I was sure that getting exposed to all those germs would really build up my immune system.
No such luck. I get sick all the time, and so does Forrest and both of our boys. If someone walks into a room and is remotely contagious, I can almost guarantee we will all get it.
Lucky, right?
I think the worst part of being sick is at night! All I want to do when I’m sick is sleep, but it seems like it’s 10x harder when my nose is stuffed up, my throat is sore, and all I can think about is how sick I feel.
We just got through with a round of some pretty miserable sicknesses (as you may remember, Oliver was even hospitalized with RSV). I think I got the most mild version of it. Jack has asthma, which makes everything worse, and Forrest just always gets these colds that linger FOREVER.
Needless to say, we’ve tried a lot of different things to make night time a little bit easier. Here are some of our tried and true methods for sleeping better during sicknesses.
Tissues Nearby
This may seem like a given, but it’s worth mentioning! Just put a box of tissues right next to your head. It will make your life much easier. I recommend getting tissues that have lotion in them so you don’t rub your nose raw (or even better – Boogie Wipes!) It’s just helpful to have them nearby so you don’t have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night.
You should definitely make sure you have a little bowl or box nearby so you can put the tissues in there (if there isn’t a trash can right by your bed.) It can make a big mess otherwise. I’ve seen people take tissues out of one tissue box, and attach it to a full tissue box – the empty one because a trash can!
Shower before bed
Steam generally helps with colds and other sicknesses by opening up the airway. One of my favorite things to do while I’m sick is take a shower, because I feel like it really makes me feel like I can breathe better. You could even take a nice, warm bubble bath using lavender bath wash, and then turn on the shower right before you get out! Nice and relaxing.
These are seriously so awesome. Have you ever seen them? I’ll admit, I think they look a bit funny, but they are pretty awesome. They are great when you aren’t sleeping – if you or your significant other is a mouth breather. And that’s quite a lot of people! According to a recent online survey by the Breathe Right® brand, 59 percent of respondents sleep next to a mouth breather and 47 percent believe it impacts their ability to get a good night’s sleep. Breathe Right® nasal strips are doubly awesome while you are sick.
I know when Forrest is sick, he’s a much, much louder mouth breather due to his nasal congestion. I’m a pretty sensitive sleeper, so I try and go to sleep before him so it doesn’t keep me up. When we are both sick, it’s hard if I can’t sleep because he’s breathing louder, AND I’m not feeling well!
Forrest used the Breathe Right® nasal strips this last time he was sick, and we both noticed a difference. He felt like they helped him breathe easier, and I didn’t notice loud breathing as much. When you are congested, it makes it harder to keep your mouth closed as you sleep, and I feel these make a big difference! He used the kind for sensitive skin, but they are available in a soothing scent – lavender – as well!
I feel like I can relate to this video!
Sleep elevated
This is something I find particularly helpful when I’m sick. It helps drain fluids and mucus easier. I already sleep on a wedge because of my acid reflux, but it’s especially helpful when I’m sick. If you don’t have a wedge, you can try and prop up your mattress or even just sleep with a few more pillows!
Pay attention to ingredients
It’s important to use medication that is most closely created for your symptoms. For instance, if you don’t need a decongestant, then make sure your medication doesn’t have it. They can actually make you a little more wired and not sleep as easily.Forrest feels very strongly that you shouldn’t use an expectorant (something that dissolves thick mucus) at night, because it makes his nose run like crazy. He thinks this is worse than having to blow his nose throughout the night!
VapoRub on Feet
This is a tip I heard someone mention awhile back on how to stop coughing during sleep. You rub VapoRub on the bottoms of your feet and then put socks on. I have no idea why, but it really seems to help suppress a cough!
Use a humidifier or vaporizer
I think this are really helpful while you have a cold. It keeps the air moist. I remember my mom always put on our humidifier whenever anyone got sick…and who knows, maybe it’s the placebo effect. But I think it helps.If you are into essential oils, you could even use a diffuser to diffuse essential oils throughout the room to help with your illness.
Saline Treatment
We mainly use infant saline with Oliver, since he tends to get this really thick mucus (gross, I know), and the saline really helps to break it up. However, it’s a great thing for anyone to use. You can buy saline sprays or drops (or a decongestant spray), but we personally love using the Neti Pot. It’s a great way to clear your sinuses.
Share your experience with Breathe Right® on Facebook and Twitter using #NightsRight!
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of TapInfluence for Breathe Right® nasal strips. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as compensation to thank me for my participation.
Share your experience with Breathe Right® on Facebook and Twitter using #NightsRight!
“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of TapInfluence for Breathe Right® nasal strips. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as compensation to thank me for my participation.”
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