DETROIT – It’s more important than ever to get a good night’s rest.
Stress over the coronavirus outbreak is giving many people restless nights. But even a simple change to your bedtime routine could help you fall asleep easier.
“I think first of all, we have to expect that we will have stress, of course, it’s situationally appropriate. So we have to give ourselves permission to feel stress and permission to not be at the top of our game,” clinical psychologist Donna Rockwell said.
If stress is keeping you from sleeping, Rockwell wants you to consider practicing mindfulness.
“One of the easiest times to do it is when we’re lying down in bed and trying to go to sleep. It’s tough to sleep during days like this,” Rockwell said. “what we can do when we lie down is not have any media on and simply be with our breath and it goes out and dissolves and allow it to go int he in breath and let it go out the out breath.”
If you feel like you need help falling asleep, Rockwell has advice.
“I think it’s OK to take sleep aides that are natural like melatonin that are easy on the system and to be very careful of taking other kinds of sleeping medications because they could lead to anxiety and depressive feelings,” she said.
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.