The Reason Why Cold and Flu Symptoms Get Worse at Night
As the cold and flu season rolls in, many people will notice that their symptoms seem to worsen after dark. Experts say that there are several reasons for this phenomenon, but it mostly has to do with the body’s circadian rhythm, or internal body clock.
Just about every bodily function is programmed to operate at full capacity at certain times of the day and to wind down at others. For instance, once the sun sets and the body detects that sleep time is approaching, the brain releases fewer stress hormones like cortisol and tells the gut to slow down digestive processes. However, certain immune cells become more active at night to hunt down and destroy pathogens like viruses. Unfortunately, this activity triggers inflammation, which is responsible for the tell-tale cold symptoms.
Dr. Diego Hijano, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, explains that immune cells become more active at night, fighting the virus and triggering the dreaded cold and flu symptoms. The drop in stress hormones like cortisol can worsen the problem, as the chemical effectively calms inflammation.
Another factor to consider is that cough and cold symptoms are worse when lying down, as mucus starts to pool at the back of the throat. Throughout the day, gravity helps drain the mucus when a person is upright and moving around. However, at night, when a person is lying down, this becomes a bigger issue.
To achieve a decent night’s sleep, experts recommend simple remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day to thin mucus, as well as using a nasal saline spray to clear some of the sticky liquid. Others suggest using menthol-flavored cough lozenges or throat sprays to provide a cooling sensation to the throat and help beat the irritating tickle. However, trying to suppress a cough isn’t beneficial, as it is the body’s way of getting rid of an irritant.
Understanding the reasons behind why cold and flu symptoms worsen at night can help individuals take steps to manage their symptoms and hopefully get some much-needed rest during the cold and flu season.