How To Rest Better: Sleeping Comfortably With COPD

Getting between 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep is crucial to a person’s mental and physical health. A good night’s sleep can improve concentration and productivity, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, improve mood, and help with weight maintenance. Chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can interrupt sleep and weaken the body over time. Sleeping comfortably with COPD, however, is possible.

Wreaking havoc on sleep patterns

Patients with COPD or any other condition require a proper night’s rest to fully and speedily recover. COPD sufferers can lose sleep over coughing, snoring, or gasping fits. Patients can suffer from many breathing disturbances at night, particularly breathlessness, that forces patients to wake up. The stress, anxiety, and depression caused by symptoms can worsen sleep problems.

Sleep apnea, GERD, and medications

A small percentage of patients also have sleep apnea, which can cause snoring, frequent awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. People with COPD often sleep sitting up to improve breathing, but the upright position isn’t the most comfortable or sleep-friendly. Patients often have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The acid reflux can cause heartburn and other symptoms that can awaken a person. Medications used to treat COPD can also have side effects that can keep patients up at night.

Falling and staying asleep

People who have COPD can have healthy sleep habits with help from personalized treatment for COPD or other underlying conditions. Finding the right dose of medication can improve effectiveness while reducing the severity of side effects.

Oxygen therapy

Severe cases of COPD can be alleviated with oxygen therapy to restore oxygen levels in the blood. A portable and rechargeable oxygen tank can be used at night or throughout the day, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Medication and airway clearance

Treating respiratory infections can remove the virus and reduce sleep interruptions throughout the night. A doctor can prescribe sleep medications to treat insomnia. Airway clearance techniques and devices can help loosen mucus, which can reduce coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties.

Drift into a peaceful slumber

Healthy sleep habits can improve COPD symptoms and reduce the number of sleep disturbances throughout the night. Maintaining a sleep schedule can train the natural body clock to fall and stay asleep. Also, a relaxing bedtime routine can help people who have COPD calm the noise and get in the right mood. Finally, a healthy diet and regular exercise can stave off insomnia. Patients shouldn’t hesitate to consult a doctor about developing a comprehensive treatment plan for COPD.