Common cold symptoms can feel worse at night due to changes in body position and a decrease in the body’s natural defenses during the circadian cycle. Over-the-counter night cold systems can help alleviate symptoms.
Anyone who has dealt with the common cold knows that aches, pains, and general discomfort seem to increase during the evening hours. Some people find that common cold symptoms are simply more noticeable at night, when there are fewer distractions to distract attention from the discomfort. However, the fact is that there are one or two factors that can directly or indirectly contribute to an increase in the severity of symptoms of the common cold at night.
One factor that may contribute to the further discomfort of cold symptoms in the evening hours is the fact that the body is now horizontal rather than vertical. Standing or even sitting upright during the day distributes the normal amount of pressure or gravity that is constantly applied to the body. When people lie on their stomach, that pressure is distributed differently and can put extra pressure on the sinus cavities. This phenomenon will certainly increase the level of discomfort experienced by those suffering from cold.
Another aspect of our bodily function that may play a role in the severity of common cold symptoms is our natural body rhythm or cycle. Sometimes referred to as the circadian cycle, this process regulates hormone production based on the time of day. Hormones that produce infection-fighting antibodies are most active during the day and slow their production at night. This means that our natural defenses are a little weaker at night and can lead to an increase in the severity of cold symptoms.
There are ways to help minimize the impact of these heightened common cold symptoms during the evening hours. There are several excellent over-the-counter night cold systems that will help relieve problems like stuffy nose, headaches, coughing, and general body aches. While the symptoms will not be completely masked, these cold systems usually control the discomfort of more common cold symptoms and allow sufferers to rest.
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