Why Cold Symptoms Are Worse at Night: What Experts Say?

02/20/2025

Why do Cold Symptoms Start Worsening Suddenly at Night? 

The worsening of cold symptoms at night is related to the body’s circadian rhythm, which refers to the internal processes in our bodies that follow a 24-hour cycle.

Drop in Stress Hormone Levels at Night:

Cortisol comes as a hormone that the body produces in response to stress. This hormone level usually increases in the morning, and as the day passes by, the levels start depleting. It plays a paramount role in regulating inflammation and immune function.  The increased level of it can help mitigate inflammation and cold symptoms simultaneously. However, the drop in the levels of cortisol in the evening can play an essential role in worsening cold symptoms.           

Lacks of Distractions: 

You remain occupied with daily household chores or other day-to-day commitments throughout the day, keeping you distracted from your cold symptoms. However, when you go to sleep at night, there are fewer distractions around you, making you focus on those annoying symptoms. As a result, symptoms associated with it intensify at night. 

The Immune System Becomes More Active at Night:

Several studies concluded that the immune system goes along a circadian rhythm. WBCs, commonly known as white blood cells, responsible for healing and inflammation, become overly active in the evening and at night. The sudden attack of white blood cells is what leads to many of the symptoms related to cold. 

Shift in the Body Position:

Changes in your body position, especially when you lie down, make it challenging for mucus to drain easily. This change in the position can result in stuffy feelings and may cause breathing problems.

Changes in the Body Temperature:  

We think the body changes temperature only when sick, but it’s not true. The temperature of the body usually increases when we approach the end of the day. When this temperature change is combined with the increased immune system activity, a low-grade fever is more likely to become high at night.

Home Remedies to Ease Cold Symptoms and Sleep Peacefully at Night          

People suffering from a cold usually find it challenging to fall asleep. Sticking to the below-mentioned tips can provide immediate relief, helping you sleep better without problems:

Opting for a Hot Shower:

When you breathe in and out in the steam while taking a hot shower, it can relax your nose and throat. In addition to this, it also soothes your muscles, helping you fall asleep.

A Spoonful of Honey Before Bedtime:

Several studies have proven that taking one spoonful of honey 30 minutes before bedtime can help manage nighttime coughs and improve overall sleep in children with colds. Studies on using honey in adults to improve cough are in the early stages, but some studies say honey consumption can also alleviate cold symptoms in adults. 

Rinse your Nose:

A few studies confirm that rinsing your nose with salt water can diminish cold and cough symptoms. However, more research is needed to verify its effectiveness.                                                                                                                                                               

Prop yourself up:

Either use extra pillows to prop yourself up or look out for any other alternative way to sleep the whole night more upright. It can assist in improving drainage from the congested nose and sinuses, resulting in better sleep and reduced cold symptoms. 

Medications to Effectively Address Symptoms Associated with Cough and Cold 

The following are the common medications used to treat a wider range of symptoms of a cold:

Cough Suppressants:

They usually begin their mechanism by acting on the nervous system to alleviate cough. Dextromethorphan stands out as its example.

NSAIDs:

NSAIDs are the acronym for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs usually recommended to treat fever and pain. Ibuprofen is an example.

Acetaminophen:

Acetaminophen can be found in a wide range of medicines, and Tylenol is one of them. It is also effective in managing fever and cold.

Melatonin:

It is good at regulating circadian rhythm and also helps the immune system to stay active. In addition to this, more research is needed to confirm this. 

Antihistamines:

Antihistamines function by inhibiting the action of histamine in the body, which usually leads to symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. Along with this, using an antihistamine syrup can help to dry out the mucus present in the nose, which, as a result, makes breathing easier. 

Decongestants:

Decongestants are designed to help reduce blood flow to the nose, which, as a result, tackles nasal congestion. A few examples of decongestants are oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine.

When Should You Opt for Medical Attention?

There are several conditions that may cause cough, which usually occurs at night only. Some of the conditions are named below that may result in nighttime cough:

• Gastrointestinal reflux disease

• Sinusitis

• Heart failure

• Asthma

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

If you come across a cough that happens at night time only and dwells for longer than 2 weeks, it’s better to consult a certified doctor. The doctor may carry out a few diagnostic tests to find out the real reason. 

Conclusion:

Colds can affect anyone at any time, irrespective of age, sex, and other factors. Several studies prove that getting a peaceful sleep of 8 hours daily helps the body tackle infections, but the case is different when it comes to cold symptoms. The symptoms of a cold are at their worst when someone is trying to sleep. The following factors play a significant role in worsening cold symptoms: increased body temperature, lack of distractions, shifts in body position, circadian rhythm of the immune system, etc. However, the good news is that there are several ways that can help to improve overall sleep and manage cold symptoms easily. From home remedies to various medications, you have multiple things to keep your symptoms in check. When symptoms are under control, you will be able to get a better sleep, helping you get well soon.

FAQs:

1. Why are my cold symptoms so much worse at night?

The following factors can make your cold symptoms worse at night:

• Lack of distractions
• Drop in stress hormone levels
• Change in the body position
• Increase in the body temperature
• Active immune system

2. Why does the cold increase at night?

You may feel an increase in the cold at night for a variety of reasons, such as a change in the body position, lack of distractions, drop in stress hormone levels, etc. If you are not able to fall asleep due to this, try to opt for these home remedies:

• Taking a hot shower before sleeping
• Opting for a spoonful of honey
• Propping yourself up
• Rinsing your nose with salt water

3. Why do you get more congested at night with a cold?

The shift in your position, especially lying down, improves the blood to the head. The improved blood flow can result in the swelling of the nasal passage. You may feel more congested and stuffy due to inflamed blood vessels in the nose.

4. Why do I feel sick at night but fine during the day?

It is common to feel sick at night than in the day, especially when going through a cold. Our circadian rhythm stimulates our immune system to become more vigilant and active. When immune system cells find germs, they aim to kill them by creating inflammation. This process, as a result, may make your cold symptoms worse.