However, be careful when it comes to caffeinated beverages. While caffeine in the evening may not bother you when you’re healthy, it just might have an impact on sleep when you’re sick. Try to stick with healthy, decaffeinated options.

And if you do follow your normal daytime caffeine routine, remember that caffeine can be dehydrating. So load up on water to keep your system hydrated.

Sleep with your head propped up if you have a cold.

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a cold and you just want to SLEEEEEP. But as soon as you lay down, it’s a free for all in your throat. You cough and cough, and sleep seems virtually impossible. That’s definitely no fun.

To combat this effect, consider adding an extra pillow to prop your head up. It will help drain sinuses and open nasal passages slightly.

Sleep in a rest-friendly environment.

It can be easy to want to sleep on the couch when sick, but this might not be the best decision. That’s because it tends to be a diversion from a normal routine, which definitely does not do a body good.

Try to sleep in the bedroom just like you normally would. Turn the lights out and create a restful environment. And if a little coughing will keep your spouse up, sleep in a guest room.

Distract yourself.

It’s hard to sleep when all you can think about is the need for rest. That’s where distraction is key. If you can’t sleep, read or watch television. Then go back to trying to sleep later. This will take your mind off of worry about sleep in general.