Optimize Bedtime Routine for Stronger Immunity Against Seasonal Illness

When it gets cold and dark, germs that make us cough and sneeze become more active.

While washing hands and getting shots help, a super-power we have is sleep!

Our bodies use sleep, especially deep sleep, to fix our immune system, like a nightly tune-up.

If we don't get enough good sleep, our body's defenses are weaker and we're more likely to get sick.

To sleep better and build a stronger defense, try going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, even on weekends.

Before bed, dim the lights, read a book, or take a warm shower instead of looking at screens.

Try not to eat big meals or drink too much caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime.

Making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool also helps you sleep deeply.

Even short naps in the afternoon can help, but long ones might disrupt nighttime sleep.

If you get a vaccine, sleeping well before and after helps your body make better protection.

Think of sleep as a key part of staying healthy, not just a rest time.