Learn How Sleep Can Protect You This Flu Season
Almost everyone loves this time of year, thanks to cooler weather and breaks from school and work. But fall and winter aren’t all about hot chocolate and holiday road trips to visit with loved ones.
October through February is also peak flu season. Getting sick could put a serious damper on enjoying the most wonderful time of the year! The good news is that preventing the flu is easier than you might think.
Along with the flu shot, sleep is a powerful weapon against the flu for people of every age group. Sleep is not only free and all-natural, but it’s also a well-documented way to score better health all year round.
Sleep: An All-Natural Defense Mechanism
Health experts know that not getting enough sleep opens the door to any bug or virus that’s making the rounds. That’s because sleep deprivation prevents your immune system from functioning properly.
Of course, the opposite is also true! Studies on the science of sleep have shown that sleep plays a crucial role in staying healthy. As we sleep, our mind and bodies “reboot” to keep us running like clockwork.
How to Prevent the Flu with Better Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest is key to warding off the flu and other illnesses. Now, it’s time to talk about how to get the sleep you need to stay healthy! Check out the following quick tips for better sleep to keep yourself healthy this flu season.
- Turn off all electronic devices at least 2 hours before bedtime.
- Limit your caffeine intake and eliminate it totally after lunch time.
- Invest in better sleep by using the best bedding and mattress.
- Consider hanging light-blocking curtains in your bedroom.
- Keep your room at the ideal sleeping temperature of 60-67 °F.
Quick Tips for Treating the Flu
If you do end up catching the flu, we’ve gathered up some simple steps for getting yourself feeling better in no time. Check out these top tips for treating the flu this season.
Stay Home: You’ll recover faster and stop the spread of the virus by staying in bed. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks to prevent making others sick.
Frequent Handwashing: Protect yourself and loved ones by washing your hands often. Be sure to wash with soap and hot water for at least a full minute.
Cover Your Mouth: Influenza spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue each time you cough or sneeze.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water or other sleep-friendly beverages while recovering. This helps keep your fever down and thins mucus to make breathing easier.
Turn to Zinc: Taking up to 50 mg of a zinc supplement per day has been shown to ease flu symptoms. It can even shorten the duration of the common cold.
Rest is the Best Medicine: Your body will find healing itself much easier when you’re well-rested. Which is what makes sleep a powerful weapon against the flu. Stay in bed and do your best to ward off stress to fight the flu faster and easier.
Your body craves sleep when you’re sick! Give your body what it needs with an amazing night’s rest on a premium memory foam mattress from Lull. We’ll even deliver it right to your front door, so you can focus on recovering and getting back to tackling your days.