Staying Healthy Through the Cold Season

With the arrival of fall and the transition to the colder season, flu season begins again. The fact is, people who don’t get enough high-quality sleep are more susceptible to colds or other infections.

This is because during deep sleep, our bodies scan for pathogens and our immune system is strengthened. If we are unable to regenerate during the night, our immune system automatically weakens. In addition, the risk of catching a cold or the flu is particularly high, as viruses and bacteria survive better in cold temperatures.

Normally, we can tell when we need sleep. However, how much sleep we need is individual and varies from person to person. Gender, body type, age, and health status all influence how long we sleep. Whether we need 6, 8, or more hours of sleep, one thing applies to everyone: sleep is vital for humans. Everyone knows how drained we feel the next day after a bad night’s sleep. Numerous internal bodily processes take place while we sleep. Getting enough sleep is essential for our health. If we don’t get enough sleep or suffer from sleep disorders, we run the risk of harming our bodies (in the long term).

The right bedding also plays a key role in keeping us from getting cold at night. It’s important that everyone has a duvet and pillow tailored to their individual needs. There are now a variety of different materials available—depending on each person’s specific needs.

Some tips for cold days:

• Drink plenty of fluids
  , preferably unsweetened tea and water (at least 1.5 liters per day)
• Plenty of vitamins
  : Make sure to eat a healthy and varied diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and trace elements
• Get plenty of sleep
  . Focus on quality, not quantity
• Get plenty of sun
  . Vitamin D is essential—so get out in the sun, even when it’s cold
• Get plenty of
  exercise. Exercise is key—even in winter! Walking is also an excellent way to prevent muscle tension and herniated discs. However, it’s important to dress appropriately so you don’t catch a cold.
• Reduce
  stress: Stress weakens our bodies and takes a toll on our mental health; furthermore, it makes us more susceptible to colds
• High humidity
  : When the air is dry, pathogens can more easily settle in the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and lungs
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
• Ventilate rooms regularly and thoroughly