Health and Me

Itisha Arya

This Sleeping Position Could Worsen A Covid Symptom, NHS Cautions

sleeping position covid cough

People who are dealing with a particular <span>Covid</span> symptom have been given a cautionary note by the <span>NHS</span>. The way you position yourself while resting or sleeping can actually aggravate how you feel. As cold weather settles over the UK, the chances of picking up seasonal infections such as colds, flu or <span>COVID-19</span> begin to rise. These viruses thrive in lower temperatures and spread more easily when people spend more time indoors.

For most individuals, Covid clears up within a few days or a couple of weeks without needing specialised care. Because of this, the NHS advises plenty of rest to support recovery. It also recommends staying home and limiting contact with others if you have symptoms and do not feel well enough to go about your usual activities. The health service further offers specific guidance for anyone struggling with a cough.

<h2>NHS Issued A Warning For Certain <span rel="noindex">Covid Symptoms</span></h2>

Cough remains one of the most common signs of Covid, especially when it becomes “continuous.” The NHS describes this as coughing repeatedly for more than an hour, or having three or more coughing spells in a single day.

To help ease the discomfort, the NHS advises: “Do not lie on your back if you have a cough – lie on your side or sit upright instead.”

This suggestion is echoed by Dr Elizabeth Rainbolt. In an interview with the Cleveland Clinic, she noted that lying flat on your back can worsen postnasal drip.

<h2>Why Sleeping Position Matters When You Have a Cough</h2>

For people dealing with a dry cough, resting on your side rather than on your back may help limit irritation. Dr Rainbolt added: “Raising your head is usually the best position for sleep. You can do this by adding an extra pillow or slightly lifting the head of your bed. This keeps drainage from settling at the back of your throat.”

Anyone coping with a persistent cough should speak with a pharmacist to explore available remedies.

Along with coughing, the NHS lists several other signs of Covid, including:

<ul><li>A high temperature or shivers (chills) – a high temperature means your chest or back feels hot to the touch (you do not need to check it with a thermometer)</li><li>A change or loss in your sense of smell or taste</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Aches in the body</li><li>Headache</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Blocked or runny nose</li><li>Poor appetite</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li></ul>The NHS explains that Covid cannot always be actively treated. “But there are things you can do to help ease some of the symptoms, such as a high temperature, a cough and breathlessness,” it notes.

<h2>Covid Recovery Tips From Health Experts</h2>

<ul><li>Make sure you get enough rest to support your body’s recovery.</li><li>Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; aim for urine that is light yellow or clear.</li><li>Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort if needed.</li><li>A teaspoon of honey may soothe a cough, but never give honey to infants under 12 months.</li><li>For breathlessness, lower the room temperature or open a window to improve airflow.</li><li>Practice slow, controlled breathing: inhale through your nose and exhale gently through pursed lips, like blowing out a candle.</li><li>Sitting upright in a chair can help ease shortness of breath.</li><li>Keep your shoulders relaxed to prevent tension that can worsen breathing.</li><li>Lean forward slightly, supporting yourself with your hands on your knees or a stable surface, to make breathing easier.</li><li>Avoid using fans to cool your room, as they may disperse viral particles.</li><li>Stay calm if you feel breathless, as anxiety can intensify the sensation.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

covid

covid symptoms

covid recovery tips from health expertsmake

covid cough

COVID-19

Scientists Say A Type 1 Diabetes Cure May Be Close, Raising Hope for Life Without Insulin Shots

RFK Jr. Claims CDC’s Latest Vaccine–Autism Guidance Was Issued Under His Direction

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

People who are dealing with a particular Covid symptom have been given a cautionary note by the NHS. The way you position yourself while resting or sleeping can actually aggravate how you feel. As cold weather settles over the UK, the chances of picking up seasonal infections such as colds, flu or COVID-19 begin to rise. These viruses thrive in lower temperatures and spread more easily when people spend more time indoors.For most individuals, Covid clears up within a few days or a couple of weeks without needing specialised care. Because of this, the NHS advises plenty of rest to support recovery. It also recommends staying home and limiting contact with others if you have symptoms and do not feel well enough to go about your usual activities. The health service further offers specific guidance for anyone struggling with a cough.NHS Issued A Warning For Certain Covid SymptomsCough remains one of the most common signs of Covid, especially when it becomes “continuous.” The NHS describes this as coughing repeatedly for more than an hour, or having three or more coughing spells in a single day.To help ease the discomfort, the NHS advises: “Do not lie on your back if you have a cough – lie on your side or sit upright instead.”This suggestion is echoed by Dr Elizabeth Rainbolt. In an interview with the Cleveland Clinic, she noted that lying flat on your back can worsen postnasal drip.Why Sleeping Position Matters When You Have a CoughFor people dealing with a dry cough, resting on your side rather than on your back may help limit irritation. Dr Rainbolt added: “Raising your head is usually the best position for sleep. You can do this by adding an extra pillow or slightly lifting the head of your bed. This keeps drainage from settling at the back of your throat.”Anyone coping with a persistent cough should speak with a pharmacist to explore available remedies.SymptomsAlong with coughing, the NHS lists several other signs of Covid, including:A high temperature or shivers (chills) – a high temperature means your chest or back feels hot to the touch (you do not need to check it with a thermometer)A change or loss in your sense of smell or tasteShortness of breathFatigueAches in the bodyHeadacheSore throatBlocked or runny nosePoor appetiteDiarrhoeaNausea or vomitingThe NHS explains that Covid cannot always be actively treated. “But there are things you can do to help ease some of the symptoms, such as a high temperature, a cough and breathlessness,” it notes.Covid Recovery Tips From Health ExpertsMake sure you get enough rest to support your body’s recovery.Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated; aim for urine that is light yellow or clear.Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort if needed.A teaspoon of honey may soothe a cough, but never give honey to infants under 12 months.For breathlessness, lower the room temperature or open a window to improve airflow.Practice slow, controlled breathing: inhale through your nose and exhale gently through pursed lips, like blowing out a candle.Sitting upright in a chair can help ease shortness of breath.Keep your shoulders relaxed to prevent tension that can worsen breathing.Lean forward slightly, supporting yourself with your hands on your knees or a stable surface, to make breathing easier.Avoid using fans to cool your room, as they may disperse viral particles.Stay calm if you feel breathless, as anxiety can intensify the sensation.