Don’t fight it—sleep is essential for recovering from the flu, a common cold, or any other infection. But just how much slumber does the body need to heal itself? Getting a good night’s rest has also been shown to push T-cells into our lymph nodes2, thus helping to destroy germ-infected cells in our bodies. It doesn’t matter if you get those extra hours by hitting the hay a little earlier, sleeping in, or catching a catnap in the afternoon—anytime you’re sleeping when sick allows your body to devote energy toward fighting harmful viruses and bacteria. The key to maximizing the effectiveness of this process, however, is to make sure you’re getting quality sleep, says Moday. “Some people also benefit from using a humidifier or doing nasal passage irrigation when they’re sick. Otherwise, you might wake up in the middle of the night if you can’t breathe through your nose,” says Moday. “When you’re sick, it is not the best time to take on a big project or go on a business trip. You want to chill out a bit and not put your body in a stressed state, with increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol,” says Moday. “Don’t go to work; don’t go to the gym. Your body is telling you to rest, and you have to listen to that.” If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you. Her work has been published by National Geographic, Forbes, The Christian Science Monitor, Lonely Planet, Real Simple, Prevention, HealthyWay, Healthline, Thrillist, and more.
