With cold weather comes the common cold, and even in the spring and summer months we exerience the same runny nose with allergies. As you may well know, a runny or stuffy nose makes for a very difficult time sleeping! But don’t despair, there are several things you can do at home to help get some Zzzzs when you’re battling a runny nose.

Here are some tips for relieving a runny nose and hopefully getting more sleep:

- Irrigate your nasal passages with a salt water solution. Irrigation kits or saline sprays are sold in all drug stores, and can be one of the most helpful solutions to a runny nose at night. Not only does nasal irrigaton clear congested sinuses, but it can also clear your nose of any irritants that may be causing the problem in the first place. You can also make your own solution by mixing a half tablespoon of salt and one cup of warm water. After irrigating, blow your nose to clear any residue or nasal secretions – doing this twice a day will make a marked improvement in your decongested state.
- Increase the humidity in your bedroom. Adding a bit of humidity into your sleep environment will prevent added irritation to your nasal passages, keeping your cold to a minimum nuisance at night. You can use any standard humidifier, also sold at your local drugstore, and turn it on one hour before your bedtime so that when you’re ready to sleep the environment will already be nasal-friendly.
- Try taking an antihistamine before bedtime. Though antihistamines are generally thought to be treatment for allergies, they can prove to be very helpful for alleviating any runny nose ailment. Most antihistamines will make you drowsy, but they can also slow the flow of mucus being produced – thus making for a more peaceful sleeping experience.
- Sleep in an elevated position. By propping up your head and upper back so that you’re in a slightly elevated position, you can help with nasal drainage. This slight elevation takes advantage of gravity and prevents seepage down the back of the throat, which can lead to coughing fits.