From the Guidelines
When you're sick, it's essential to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night and listen to your body's signals to rest when feeling tired, which may mean staying home from work or school for 1-3 days. The provided evidence, although focused on myocardial infarction management, suggests that rest is crucial in the initial stages of illness, particularly for those with significant damage or complications 1. However, the context of the question is about general sickness, not specifically myocardial infarction, so we must consider general principles of recovery and immune system support. Key points to consider when you're sick include:
- Getting enough sleep to help your immune system fight off the infection
- Staying hydrated with plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, or clear broths
- Using over-the-counter medications appropriately for your symptoms, such as acetaminophen for fever and pain or ibuprofen for inflammation
- Creating a restful environment by keeping your bedroom quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature
- Gradually returning to normal activities as you begin feeling better, and seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or don't improve after several days. It's also important to note that while complete bed rest isn't always necessary for minor illnesses, listening to your body and resting when needed is crucial for recovery, as supported by the principle of managing energy levels and symptoms in patients with significant health issues 1.
From the Research
Rest and Recovery When Sick
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support a specific amount of rest when sick. However, the studies focus on the treatment of fever and pain using acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Treatment of Fever and Pain
- The studies suggest that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective in treating fever and pain, but the efficacy varies depending on the condition and dosage 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A systematic review found that ibuprofen was consistently superior to paracetamol at conventional doses in a range of painful conditions 4.
- A network meta-analysis found that combined or alternating therapies with acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be superior to single therapies for treating fever in children 5.
Efficacy of Acetaminophen
- A systematic review found that there is little evidence to support the efficacy of acetaminophen treatment in patients with chronic pain conditions 6.
- Another study found that acetaminophen may be inferior to combined or alternating therapies with ibuprofen for treating fever in children 5.