This sleeping position makes breathing easier for people experiencing respiratory problems due to the flu or a cold.
- The most recommended sleeping position when you have difficulty breathing due to the flu or a cold is to sleep on your side.
- However, this can vary from person to person.
- Installing a humidifier in the bedroom when you have the flu can also help reduce sleep problems.
Flu, colds, asthma, allergies… many illnesses make breathing difficult. And this can greatly disrupt falling asleep and sleeping. And by domino effect, recovery. Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer, sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, presents on the site of its establishment the preferred sleeping position when you have breathing difficulties such as a blocked nose or recurrent cough.
Sleep and stuffy nose: sleeping on your side is recommended
There is no ONE ideal sleeping position for sleeping well when you have the flu, a cold or seasonal allergies, warns Dr. Foldvary-Schaefer. It can vary depending on the person. “Sometimes you have to try several times to find what works best for you.”recognizes the expert. “But there are certain practices that allow many people to breathe better at night.”
The effective sleeping position for the greatest number of people with breathing problems is to lie on their side. “Sleeping on your side helps your spine maintain a neutral position. Which can mean less strain on your back and neck”specifies the specialist. It is especially effective in cases of blocked nose. “Each of your nostrils has a cycle in which one becomes more congested than the other. Many people find that they can relieve their one-sided congestion by sleeping with their blocked nostril on top.” So, if your left nostril is blocked, sleep on the right side. And vice versa.
To facilitate the lateral position, it is recommended to place a pillow between the knees. This will relieve the weight that the upper leg may place on the other. Another advantage: this position is also recommended for snorers, because it keeps the airways clear.
Nocturnal breathing problems: humidifying the air can help
Sleeping on your flat back is far from the most recommended sleeping position if you are having difficulty breathing. In fact, the body has more difficulty clearing the airways in this posture. However, if this is your preferred position, elevating your head with a few pillows may provide relief.
Sleeping position is not the only way to improve your night’s sleep as a sick person. Acting on the environment of the room helps to find Morpheus’ arms more easily, even when sick. You must therefore avoid overheating the room and favor a temperature of 19 degrees. Another solution: install a humidifier. Dr. Farooq from the Clinic Clinic explain : “Keeping your upper airways properly hydrated can help them function more smoothly. A humidifier also helps thin mucus, making coughing or blowing your nose more effective.”
Adding moisture to the air is also likely to be beneficial for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, as it soothes irritation and reduces inflammation in the airways. However, indoor humidity should remain below 50%. It is also necessary to ensure that the humidifier is always clean.
