Many people find that runny noses, muscle aches and sore throats get worse after the sun goes down. Experts reveal why this happens.

The root cause is the circadian rhythm , i.e. the body’s internal clock.

Almost every bodily function is programmed to operate at full capacity at certain times of the day and slow down at others.

 

For example, when the sun goes down and the body senses that it’s time to sleep, the brain releases less stress hormones like cortisol and signals the gut to slow down digestive processes.

Some immune cells, however, become more active. These cells are designed to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses.

This process triggers inflammation, an evolutionary tool that kills viruses but is also responsible for cold symptoms.

“Immune system cells can cause irritation and inflammation, which ends up making respiratory symptoms worse at night,” says Dr. Diego Hijano, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 

Dropping stress hormones like cortisol can make the problem worse, as the chemical suppresses inflammation.

Experts highlight one more important factor: cough and cold symptoms worsen when we are lying down.

This is because mucus starts to build up in the back of the throat, a problem doctors call postnasal drip.

“During the day, mucus buildup is less bothersome because gravity helps drain when you’re up and moving,” says Dr. Juan Chiriboga-Hurtado, a family medicine specialist at Keck Medicine University Hospital.

Finally, the lack of distraction at night forces you to focus on the irritating cough.

Experts recommend simple things like drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day to thin the mucus and using saline to clear the nose.

Menthol lozenges or throat sprays cool the throat and soothe irritation.

“There is no benefit in trying to suppress a cough, as the reason you are coughing is because the body realizes it needs to get rid of some source of irritation,” experts say.

 

…Click Download & Wait 30 Secs to Automatically Redirect Next Post…