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Lying down causes nasal passages to fill with mucus due to gravity. This makes breathing difficult, enhancing the discomfort of a stuffy nose at night.
At night, your nasal tissues become more sensitive to irritants and allergens, leading to worsened congestion, sneezing, or a runny nose during a cold.
Cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone, decreases during the night. The reduced levels allow immune system activity to amplify, intensifying cold symptoms such as aches and congestion.
Heating systems can dry out indoor air at night, irritating nasal passages and the throat. This dryness exacerbates coughing and makes congestion more uncomfortable.
Your body's circadian rhythm affects inflammation and immune responses. At night, inflammatory processes peak, making cold symptoms like a sore throat or congestion feel worse.
Nighttime hormonal changes, including melatonin production, alter immune responses. This can amplify inflammation and make cold symptoms seem more severe.
Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures in your airways that clear mucus. At night, they work less efficiently, causing mucus buildup and worsening symptoms like coughing and congestion.
During the day, activities and social interactions divert attention from cold symptoms. At night, the lack of distractions makes discomfort more noticeable.
Your body temperature naturally drops at night. This can make chills feel more intense during a cold and heighten discomfort overall.
Pain perception tends to increase at night due to changes in brain activity and hormone levels, making a sore throat or sinus pain feel worse.
Being tired at night reduces your ability to tolerate discomfort. Fatigue makes the body more sensitive to the aches and pains of a cold.
Congestion forces many people to breathe through their mouths at night. This leads to dryness, exacerbating throat irritation and coughing.
Your nasal passages naturally swell at night due to changes in blood flow and histamine levels, worsening the sensation of stuffiness.
Histamine, which triggers inflammation, is released more during the night. This worsens congestion, sneezing, and itching associated with colds.
While immune activity is heightened at night, it's not as efficient. The imbalance can result in prolonged inflammation and exaggerated symptoms.
Your immune system ramps up its response during sleep, releasing cytokines that fight infections but also increase inflammation, worsening symptoms.
The quiet and isolation of nighttime can make you hyperaware of discomfort, intensifying the perception of cold symptoms.
The cough reflex becomes more sensitive at night due to dry air and mucus pooling, leading to frequent and more intense coughing episodes.
Lying down can worsen acid reflux, which irritates the throat and enhances coughing and discomfort during a cold.
Colds often disrupt sleep, leading to poor rest. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate fatigue, aches, and other cold symptoms.
Saliva production slows at night, reducing its protective effects. This can make your throat feel raw and more irritated during a cold.
Body temperature regulation changes at night can lead to fever spikes, intensifying the feeling of chills and sweating during colds.
Doctors suggest several strategies to ease discomfort and improve sleep when managing a cold at night.
Sleeping with your head elevated prevents mucus from pooling in your throat, helping reduce discomfort and ease breathing at night.
Excessive use of nasal decongestants can cause rebound congestion, especially noticeable during the night when the medications wear off.
Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen relieve nasal swelling and pressure. But avoid multi-symptom medications with decongestants and suppressants unless specifically recommended.
Drinking plenty of water thins mucus, making it easier to clear. Dehydration worsens congestion, so maintain hydration to support your recovery.
Struggling to sleep? A steamy shower loosens mucus, helping clear secretions and making it easier to breathe and relax.
Sources: (Verywell Health) (Healthline)
See also: A practical guide to surviving this year's viral season
A humidifier keeps nasal passages moist, reducing dryness and irritation. Clean it regularly to prevent mold or bacteria from accumulating inside the device.
Have you ever noticed that a cold seems far more unbearable once the sun goes down? Symptoms like congestion, coughing, and a sore throat often intensify at night, making sleep difficult and recovery more challenging. From hormonal changes to postural effects and environmental factors, various mechanisms contribute to worsening cold symptoms at night. But understanding these factors can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and rest easier.
Curious? Click on to learn more.
Why do colds feel worse at night?
From congestion to coughing, this is why nights are rough
HEALTH Symptoms
Have you ever noticed that a cold seems far more unbearable once the sun goes down? Symptoms like congestion, coughing, and a sore throat often intensify at night, making sleep difficult and recovery more challenging. From hormonal changes to postural effects and environmental factors, various mechanisms contribute to worsening cold symptoms at night. But understanding these factors can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and rest easier.
Curious? Click on to learn more.