The Link Between Asthma and Poor Sleep

Asthma affects more than 27 million American children and adults. In addition to ongoing breathing issues, those with asthma may also get trapped in a vicious cycle of poor-quality sleep that contributes to more frequent asthma attacks.

At Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep, we specialize in diagnosing and treating asthma and common sleep disorders like insomnia.

Our experts, Ashok Tyagi, DO, CPE, and Himanshu Chandarana, MD, treat the underlying symptoms that interfere with a good night’s sleep so you can enjoy more energy and long-lasting good health.

An overview of asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects your ability to take in enough oxygen to sustain life.

During an asthma attack, your esophagus suddenly becomes inflamed and narrowed, limiting your ability to move oxygen in and out of your lungs. The lungs also produce more mucus, making breathing more difficult.

Environmental irritants and allergens can cause an asthma attack. You might also experience an attack due to triggers like:

• Sinus infections
• Acid reflux
• Dry air
• Cold weather
• Strong smells

Some asthma attacks result from excess stress or strong emotional reactions.

Connecting the dots between sleep disorders and asthma

There’s a link between asthma and various sleep disorders, including:

Sleep apnea

Those who’ve had asthma for many years are at greater risk of sleep apnea, a disorder that causes frequent pauses in your breathing throughout the night.

The connection stems from the effects of esophageal inflammation, which is caused by asthma and can narrow your airways while you sleep.

Insomnia

Insomnia is an inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night. People with severe asthma may be more likely to experience this sleep disorder as a result of problematic breathing when asleep.

Unfortunately, a lack of quality sleep each night can also worsen your asthma symptoms and cause more frequent asthma attacks. Many people with asthma who also struggle with sleep deprivation experience asthma attacks severe enough to require hospitalization.

Get the help you need to break the cycle

Our experts at Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep offer in-home and in-lab sleep studies to understand what’s behind your sleep difficulties. We also provide on-site lung function testing to confirm asthma and evaluate its severity.

Once your physician reviews your diagnosis with you, they discuss treatments to manage asthma and a co-existing sleep disorder. Your customized care plan may include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Immunotherapy
• Sleep medications
• In-office breathing treatments
• Inhaled or oral asthma medications
• Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications

Our specialists can also determine if you might benefit from a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that provides your body with supplemental oxygen while you sleep.

Because there’s no cure for asthma, we continue to assess your needs during follow-up visits and ensure your asthma remains well controlled.

Call Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep in St. Petersburg, Florida, today to schedule an evaluation.