Coronavirus and Sleep

With the Spring of 2020 has come the worldwide pandemic known as Coronavirus. Though many have taken to stalking their shelves with toilet paper, Clorox wipes and bottled water, are we all being paranoid, or should we really be scared? Personally, with two toddlers in daycare that come home with an array of illnesses, another flu like virus seems like child’s play. But how will COVID-19 be different? Also, as a sleep enthusiast, how will Coronavirus impact sleep? Below are not only more facts about this outbreak, but a hopefully a glance into some sanity in an otherwise out of control world.

Though I don’t want to turn my nose up and the threat of this virus, I also feel that the media hype has blown COVID-19 through the roof in an election year intentionally. Having personally gone through swine flu in 2009 I have a respect for the real threat of new viruses. But because I lived through H1N1 I also see that this too shall pass and the best defense is not reacting in an extreme measure.

Regardless of how I personally feel, I do wonder how will this affect myself and my family? As well as the world as a whole. Also, how will Coronavirus and sleep mix? Will it be like an obnoxious cold that leaves you stuffed up all night? Will you be woken up by your spouse’s hacking cough? Or is sleep exactly what you need to come out on top? Learn more about COVID-19 and maybe more importantly how sleep may help kick the crux of 2020.

What is like to have Coronavirus?

If you haven’t already had you t.v., your social media news feed and neighbors informing you, Coronavirus is seemingly the end of the world as we know it. Well, not quite, but at the rate it’s shutting down the country systematically you’d sure think it was. From what it actually sounds like, it sounds just like H1N1. And lucky for you, I have personally experienced swine flu.

In 2009 at 26 years old I woke up and got ready for work like any Monday morning. On my mile walk to the Red Line Chicago Train I started to feel weak and lethargic. It came on relatively fast. I knew I couldn’t go to work at that point so I walked back home. My body was tired and I felt lousy. My temperature started to rise and when it hit upwards of the high 102’s I called my parents.

Though worried, the danger of a high fever doesn’t really start to creep in until you are close to the 104 point. They suggested taking a cool bath and a fever reducing over the counter product like Advil, Motrin, etc. I did both of these and settled into a marathon of Sex in the City. I was easily able to keep my fever at bay until it broke within 24 hours. By day three I wasn’t quite 100%, but I was more than 75% and sick of being inside and got out for some much needed fresh air.

By Thursday I was back to work and good thing because I had to fly to California for a wedding I was the maid of honor in that Friday. Though it came on strong, it passed quickly and not for one second did I fear for my life. Clearly, the intentional fear mongering media hadn’t destroyed the economy in those days. So though it was nothing to bat an eye at, it didn’t implode the world around me.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

My personal experience with a similar virus may or may not help ease your thoughts on this pandemic. However, below is not only a list of typical symptoms but also a few charts to give you a more realistic look at this virus. Some symptoms ranging from mild to more severe. Each case of Coronavirus will range in severity. By all means, if you feel in danger we always suggest seeking medical attention.

Common Coronavirus Symptoms: within 2 – 14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Fatigue

Possible Additional COVID-19 Symptoms:

• Runny Nose
• Sore Throat
• Body Aches
• Headache
• Diarrhea

When to seek medical attention:

• You have difficulty breathing
• A fever over 103 is present
• If you have underlying health conditions
• You are over 60 years old

Coronavirus Data:

How could Coronavirus affect your sleep?

From my research, Coronavirus sounds to be a virus that has many similarities to the influenza. With typically a fever present and coughing too. Both factors that can keep you from getting an un-interrupted 8 hours of sleep. The best way to combat your fever is to take a fever reducer before bed. These typically last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Also, keep some readily available bedside if you need another dose.

If you can take a cool bath or keep a cool wash cloth on you forehead before bed, this will help reduce your fever too. Just make sure to keep on eye on it to make sure you are keeping it under 104.

Also, take a cough suppressant and keep a glass of water bedside too. You should make sure to not only stay hydrated but help relieve any cough you do have. Again an over the counter medication should be fine, but if you find yourself in pain or have any pre-existing conditions, see a doctor. We also suggest drinking warm tea to not only help with chills, but also soothe your throat. We like adding ginger and lemon for added benefits too.

Luckily, a stuffed nose is not typical of Coronavirus, so most have no need to worry about not being able to breathe properly out of their nose.

How can sleep help Coronavirus?

What can I say, sleep is always key when fighting any illness. Letting the body use it’s energy to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs means you need to rest. This is true of Coronavirus too. Any parent who has been subject to watch Daniel the Tiger knows… Rest is best, rest is best!

Regardless, you will be tired. Your body will naturally need more sleep and rest. Meaning sleep is vital part of the healing process. The best thing to do is make sure you stay comfortable and keep all symptoms under control. As mentioned above, there are several ways to ensure you help your body rest. By tending to your symptoms with proper care you will allow your body to focus it’s energy on healing.

Coronavirus and sleep will go hand in hand, like any illness. Making rest a large part of proper recovery. It may sound funny, but if you happen to be looking for a mattress or sleep products that aide in recovery, we suggest checking out the Celliant Infused products by BearMattress.com. These technology driven mattresses and bedding accessories literally helps your body rest and recover faster.

Protecting yourself and family against Coronavirus:

Believe it or not keeping your family protected against COVID-19 may not mean mass volumes of Clorox wipes. Like any seasonal bout of influenza, colds or other various health encounters it is simple:

• Wash Your Hands
• Don’t Touch Your Face
• Stay Home If You Are Ill
• Avoid Crowds
• Get Fresh Air
• Don’t Share Personal Items
• Cover Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing
• Clean Surfaces
• Keep Calm – Don’t Loose Your Mind & Buy 200 Rolls of Toilet Paper!

This Too Shall Pass…

As much as the media has dictated this circus, we have to do our best to keep our sanity level. I use to find social media to be a breeding ground of lies. However, I have been delighted with how many friends I have decided to keep a level head about this madness. I think nobody is impressed with how the media is handling the Coronavirus, but we are now seeing passed it. Though they are trying to isolate us, social media actually allows us to still feel like a community. I think it is safe to say, this too shall pass, though we may have to ride the waves.

We at Our Sleep Guide have sincere appreciation for our readers, as well as their health and safety. We by no means think this a anything to bock at. Personally experiencing a similar pandemic I know that there will be lives lost and people permanently impacted. However, this is something we need to be responsible about as well as realistic. Remember, we are all in this together, and we will all get through this together.