Many people experience worse colds in the evening — and there is a scientific explanation for this. John W. Seibert, an otolaryngologist at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, shared the main reasons for this phenomenon with Verywell Health, writes gazeta.ru.
According to the specialist, the body’s circadian rhythms play a key role. In the evening hours, the immune system is more active, which leads to increased inflammatory processes and, as a result, more pronounced symptoms of the disease.
Another important factor is the natural decrease in cortisol levels in the evening. This hormone has an anti-inflammatory effect, and when its concentration drops, the body reacts more acutely to painful sensations.
The position of the body also affects the patient’s well-being. During the day, when a person is in an upright position, mucus is more easily removed from the respiratory tract. At night, in a horizontal position, this process slows down.
In addition, in the evening, when everyday worries fade into the background, people begin to listen more closely to their condition, which makes the symptoms seem more intense.