Hyacinth Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 What do you do?! Last night was my third restless night since this flu virus/head cold/whatever hit me. I can function somewhat during the day but I simply cannot fall asleep/stay asleep at night. Every time I recline or lay my head down, I get all stuffed up and can't breathe and start coughing . . . it's not pretty. I tried keeping my head elevated, but I can't get comfortable. I'm convinced that a good night's sleep is exactly what I need to kick this thing, but it's elusive. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Breath right strips. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiden Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 When I can't sleep due to inability to breathe properly, I use decongestant spray. Wait five minutes after using it then blow your nose ... it works wonders! I also pop an antihistamine or two, which helps with the runny bit and helps me sleep too. You shouldn't use the spray too often or for too long because it can be addictive, but it's the only thing that helps me when I'm too congested to sleep. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyS Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 I sleep sitting up against whatever I can find (a bed against a wall, or the back of a tall couch). I sit sideways to the wall/couch, put pillows up on my shoulder, and basically "lean" sideways. It requires some slightly convoluted tucking up little pillows so that I can be supported and relax, but it's great once I get there. Also, a couple of Sudafed right before I go to bed, the real ones you have to get at the pharmacy, not the stuff that is sold right off the shelf. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocolatechip Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 I use NyQuil. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Mostly I try to doze in a recliner and do a lot of self talk (i.e., a few nights of little/no sleep isn't the end of the world, I'll feel better eventually and catch up on my sleep, etc.). If I can't sleep even sitting up in the recliner then I read a book or get on the computer. I feel less tired during the day if I do that than if I keep trying to sleep w/o any luck. Trying to make yourself go to sleep is exhausting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Breathe right strips plus Mucinex. It's the only decongestant that works for me without making my heart race. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Ibuprofen helps with the swelling of the nasal tissue. I use that and flonase, and Vicks. And prop up. And nap. I can't use too much decongestant or Dayquil because I had a very scary reaction--I don't know which ingredient it was that whacked me out--I thought I would die from anxiety. Not going there again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Nyquil works for me. I'm apparently allergic to something in Mucinex DM; I broke out in hives shortly after taking it with my last severe cold. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 A prescription nasal steroid spray--mine is called flunisolide. It opens up my airways (takes about 20 min to fully work). I note that one just came off prescription only and I've seen it at Costco--nasarel? I would try that if I didn't have the one I have. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3in9th Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 NyQuil or Nightime Theraflu, but you'll likely be groggy the next day. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Nyquil. Nothing else works. When my nose is closed I am *miserable*. It is one of the things I hate most in the world. The only way I can sleep is if something knocks me out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyP Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 Mostly I try to doze in a recliner and do a lot of self talk (i.e., a few nights of little/no sleep isn't the end of the world, I'll feel better eventually and catch up on my sleep, etc.). If I can't sleep even sitting up in the recliner then I read a book or get on the computer. I feel less tired during the day if I do that than if I keep trying to sleep w/o any luck. Trying to make yourself go to sleep is exhausting. This is me. If it isn't the coughing when I lay down, it's the stuffiness. If it isn't the stuffiness, it's the kids waking me up because they are sick too. I just keep telling myself this will be over soon. One of these days I will be right, right? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 For congestion, I use the real Sudafed (or its generic). The stuff you have to sign for when you get it from the pharmacist. It's not prescription, but it's controlled because some idiots use it to make meth. But, it's not meth, and it works better than anything for our stuffy noses/sinuses. You can take a Benedryl (or generic Diphenhydramine HCl). It will stop runny nose/sneezing, and it'll help you sleep. It's the same medicine that is marketed under different names as a sleep aid (Z-Quil, Tylenol PM, Exedrin PM, etc). If I have other symptoms at the same time as nasal problems, I use Nyquil. Again, the real liquid stuff, with alcohol. No gel caps for me. I like to feel that buzz go through my body as I doze off to sleep. (It's the only alcohol I consume, so it's okay). :) When you cold settles in your chest in about a week, get yourself some Mucinex DM (assuming you're not allergic to it). That stuff is amazing for coughs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyS Posted March 21, 2015 Share Posted March 21, 2015 I also find it helpful to put on some easy TV to listen to, so that I don't just whirl my thoughts thinking about how miserable I am. I like something light, without stuff that's going to blow up. I was sick back in Dec and spent a week doing almost nothing by watching The West Wing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hyacinth Posted March 22, 2015 Author Share Posted March 22, 2015 Thanks, everyone. One Benadryl, a spritz or two of Afrin on each side, and one Breathe Right strip did the trick last night. Nine full hours! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 I use Afrin, sleep propped up, and now, that I've gotten bronchitis, I sleep with a pile of sugar free cough drops on my nightstand and when I wake up coughing, I suck on one of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxbridgeacademy Posted March 22, 2015 Share Posted March 22, 2015 I take sudafed, flonase (OTC now), and stand, bent slightly, over the bathroom sink with a towel over my head while I run hot water. It helps to loosen the "stuff" then I can blow my nose. It especially helps with the cough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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