Tips To Sleep Better For Lung Patients

Effects of disturbed sleep on Breathing and respiratory System

• Poor sleep quality or sleep deprivation can affect lung health

• Since poor sleep can weaken the immune system, it also increases one’s vulnerability to respiratory problems

• During sleep, breathing patterns may alter, become more irregular and shallow due to decreased brain activity thus leading to reduced lung function

• Sleep problems impact breathing patterns as they modify gas exchange and ventilation

• Sleep and Respiratory system have direct relationships with each other hence lack of sleep has a permissive effect on mucous retention, bronchial reactivity, and respiratory failure

• Patients with lung disease, chest wall restriction and neuromuscular diseases often have abnormalities like poor sleep quality, frequent arousals, hypoxia and hypercapnia

• During REM sleep, the rib cage is inhibited, breathing becomes less frequent and more challenging thus leading to lower lung activity

• For patients with chronic lung disease, sleep deficiency could worsen the signs and symptoms

Obstructive sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common disorder charaterized by repetitive episodes of nocturnal breathing cessation due to upper airway collapse. Seen in overweight or obese individuals and adult men aged 40 years old and above. It ceases breathing during sleep, wherein breathing stops periodically for up to ten seconds or hundreds of times in severe cases. Snoring is a common sign seen,but not everyone who snores has OSA. Along with snoring there are breathing pauses and gasping or choking sounds.

Sleep tips- Tips to sleep better

Many factors can interfere with a good night's sleep like work stress , family responsibilities and illnesses. You might not be able to control the factors that interfere with your sleep, but can adopt habits that encourage better sleep.

• Stick to a sleep schedule- set aside 7-8 hours of sleep

• Try to sleep and wake at consistent time

Optimise your bedroom environment like:

• Temperature at optimal level

• Reduce external noise and lights using earplugs & room darkening shades

• Get a comfortable bed, mattress, and pillow

• Keep your bedroom quiet, clean and relaxing

• Reduce night time light exposure ie use of smartphones,TV,Laptop etc in the eveningto relax & get deep sleep

• Increase daily sunlight or bright light exposure during the day to improve sleep quality and duration

• Don’t consume caffeine late in the day

• Reduce irregular or long daytime naps

• Don’t eat late in the evening, avoid large meals

• Avoid liquids before bed to prevent frequent bathroom visits

• Don’t drink alcohol at night as it affects your sleep pattern

• Wear light comfortable clothes at night

• Take a relaxing bath or shower before bed

• Relax and clear your mind in the evening with strategies like relaxing music, reading a book etc.

• Regular exercise during daylight hours is one of the best ways to ensure a good night’s sleep

• Rule out sleep disorders, consider taking supplements prescribed by healthcare professionals

Summary

• Disturbed sleep can affect breathing patterns and overall lung function

• OSA is a sleep disorder caused due to upper airway collapse

• Various techniques can help one achieve good quality sleep

• In case of severe sleep deprivation one needs to see a healthcare professionals