Is Excessive Sleepiness And Exhaustion Normal When Recovering From Cold?

Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Is it normal to sleep all day and be exausted with a head cold?

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should feel better in 3 to 4 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Yes, it is normal because your body fight off the cold. Also you may feel fatigue and weakness. You should get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids like water and if you can stay home from work or school. If you have a fever you can place a cool washcloth on your forehead.

Colds usually get better in 3 to 4 days.

However if you feel extreme exhaustion and have general aches/muscle aches, vomiting/diarrhea and fever you may have flu. In this situation you may need flu drug which should be prescribed by your health care provider.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Ok thanks I started with a fever weds it's gone but now the coughing a tiredness and stuffed up has hit

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should feel better after a few day.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

You need to rest and stay at home for few days. Rest is important for sick people. For your cough you can by over-the-counter cough syrup. Remember to drink water. You can try warm water with lemon and honey.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T