Sleep and COPD: Tips for a restful night

 

For healthy people, getting quality sleep at night is already a challenge. For those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, the case is the same but much worse. Often marked with difficulty in breathing, coughing, and wheezing, the pain caused by COPD symptoms may prevent one from getting a good night's sleep.

Image source: sclerodermanwes.com

Every time symptoms persist, people are advised to consult with their doctor to receive proper treatment. According to Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., for those with COPD, side effects can wake one up at night, making it best for them to speak with their doctor before making any treatment adjustments. Sleeping can be tricky for the lungs, especially when the body isn't positioned properly. Slightly adjust one's sleeping position, with the head slightly higher than the body to prevent acid reflux.

Image source: bioinfromant.com

Anyone who seeks to have a quality sleep at night knows not to nap during the day. Naps longer than 20 minutes can prevent one from enjoying a good night's rest. In general, regular exercise boosts overall health. Individuals with COPD can enjoy improved lung health, increased cardiovascular function, and better sleep through regular exercise. In addition, regular exercise requires one to do more during the day, causing them to fall asleep faster and rest better at night.

Nocturnal oxygen can be an option for those whose COPD symptoms are worse, says Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. When oxygen saturation levels are low, a pulmonologist may prescribe nocturnal oxygen for better sleep.

Lisa M. Cannon, M.D. is a board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 15 years. She graduated with a degree in medicine from New York Medical College and completed her fellowship in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at the renowned Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Head over to this page for more updates.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are the main symptoms of COPD?

Image
  Millions of people all over the world suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. This condition includes shortness of breath, emphysema, and bronchitis. COPD is common among smokers, and many people don't realize that they have the disease until later in life. Pulmonologists suggest that patients see a professional once they have difficulty breathing instead of dismissing it as fatigue or a sign of aging. Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., a board-certified pulmonary disease physician from New Jersey, discusses some of the disease's symptoms. Chronic cough and increased production of phlegm A cough that lasts for days, along with greenish phlegm, can be a sign of COPD. The body's reaction to the increased mucus production and other environmental irritants is through coughing. Too much coughing can cause fatigue and discomfort to the body. This is why those with suspected COPD need to consult their doctors to find ways to clear the airways without further ...
Read more

Six ways to build good sleeping habits

Image
  Many people struggle with sleep. And when sleep is compromised, many activities throughout the day are almost impossible to complete. For an individual to truly focus on their tasks and be present, good quality sleep is needed. On this blog post, Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares a few ways to positive sleeping habits. Image source: amerisleep.com Sleep and wake at same times . Confusing the body with different wake and sleep times offers no benefit to a person’s body clock. An erratic sleep schedule prevents one from getting proper rest. Say no to long and irregular naps . While power naps can enhance alertness throughout the day, naps that take a bit longer can disturb one’s body clock. Keep naps under thirty minutes for better daytime brain function. Quit the caffeine after 3pm . Consuming caffeine six to eight hours before going to bed messes up sleep as caffeine stimulates the nervous system and can prevent the body from relaxing naturally come nighttime. Take in s...
Read more