A good night sleep may prevent the flu

(NBC) - Before you rise and shine tomorrow, you may want to hit that snooze button, getting enough sleep could be the healthiest thing you do this flu season.

"It really is just as important as washing your hands and it's a major component of total body wellness," Dr. Jeremy Weingarten, an Internist, said.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found the more you sleep, the less likely you are to get sick.

"People who got less than seven hours of sleep had caught the common cold more frequently than those who got more than eight hours of sleep," Dr. Weingarten said.

Call it vitamin zzz's, sleep is a natural and free way to boost your immune system. Sleep doctors say children and adults say adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep - tossing and turning doesn't count.

"Limit the amount of caffeine and sugary drinks," Dr. Matthew Weissman, an Internist, said.

Dr. Weissman says he reminds parents during flu season to make sure kids are getting enough sleep, whether they're sick or healthy.

"Create a bedtime routine, bath, story, pajamas, that sort of calms kids down for sleep," he said.

Tom Llamas has more in this internet health video report.