A Sleep Technique For When You Have A Cough and Congestion

Cold and flu season is here and one of the worst parts of getting sick is the stuffy nose and stubborn mucus that just wants to keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.

As a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, many patients ask if there are natural, non-drug ways to manage congestion and allow for a good night’s sleep.

Congestion in the sinuses prevents one from breathing through the nose while sleeping, forcing us to breathe through our mouths that can lead to throat dryness and irritation.

This could lead to coughing or chronic lung congestion can may cause incessant coughing, preventing one from sleeping throughout the night.

Sleep is extremely important for recovery when you’re sick.

Warming socks technique for a good night’s sleep 

The warming sock technique is done at night in order to battle these symptoms.

It can also help reduce temperature if there is also a fever present.

What you will need for this technique:

1. One pair of normal thickness socks
2. One pair of thick wool socks
3. Extra blanket for your feet for extra warming

Directions:

1. If your feet are icy cold it is important to warm them first.This is very important as the treatment will not be as effective and could be harmful.Warming can be accomplished by soaking in warm water for 5-10 minutes.

2. Next, take a pair of thin cotton socks and thoroughly wet all but the ankle portion with cold water.Wring them out so they are not dripping

3. Walk to bed and place the wet socks on your feet.

4. Then cover with thick wool socks.

5. Get comfy in your bed tucked in with plenty of warm blankets to fall asleep – you can use the extra blanket on the feet if needed.

6. Get an uninterrupted night of sleep.

7. In the morning you will find that the wet cotton socks will be dry, and you will feel well rested from a great night’s sleep!

In response to the wet socks placed on your feet, the body sends the circulation of blood and lymph (therefore some heat) down to warm the feet, pulling along the congestion from the head and lungs, allowing drainage through the lymphatic system.

Many of my patients report being able to get a full night’s sleep when using the wet socks for cough and congestion.

If you feel this will be uncomfortable, don’t fret – the discomfort of wet socks on your feet tends to let up after a couple of minutes.

You wake up with completely dry feet!

This can be used for the whole family, ages through 100