More sleep can help you fend off those nasty cold germs.

Ever wonder why some people catch the cold that’s going around while others don’t? Many factors contribute to your body’s ability to fend off a cold.  Aric Prather, a psychologist at the University of California found that those who sleep less than six hours per night are four times more likely to catch a cold virus than those who sleep seven or more.

Research also suggests that factors such as chronic stress, smoking, and lack of exercise can also increase susceptibility to cold germs.

Listen to a National Public Radio story about this topic.

Read Dr. Pather’s journal article in Sleep.

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