Does Enough Sleep Prevent Colds?

Many medical studies obtain lots of press; and this one was no different.

In this small study, 160 volunteers had their sleep measured, then were exposed to cold viruses. About 50 of the patients developed clinical colds; those who slept less than 6 hours were four times more likely.

We know the cold virus thrives on cooler temperatures. Perhaps during sleep our nasal temperature increases. Also, it is possible that both groups were similarly infected, but the sleepers cleared the infection more efficiently.

Most people need at least 6 hours sleep a night, and this will promote good health. If you are one of the very few that get less than that; and are not fatigued, this is probably OK for you as well.

Prather AA, Janicki-Deverts D, Hall MH, Cohen S. Behaviorally assessed sleep and susceptibility to the common cold. SLEEP 2015;38(9):1353–1359.