Getting a sound sleep at night is the most critical aspect of good health. Get sufficient quality sleep helps us to perform our everyday tasks more efficiently & effectively, have more concentration power and make quick active decisions without being feeling lethargic or sleepy during the day. According to sleep experts, sleep also aids in maintaining a healthy weight and keep our heart & lungs in good condition.
But if you are a victim of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), sleeping through the night or even getting to sleep can be very challenging. This can be a major problem, as sleep plays an important role when dealing with a health disorder like COPD. Sleep plays an important role to repair the body, and not getting enough sleep or rest negatively impacts the immune system.
Read Also: How COPD Can Affect Your Sleep?
Common Causes of Sleep Problems in COPD
There are many problems such as chest pain, medication side effects and coughing associated with COPD which significantly decreases the amount of sleep. Sleep disorders like insomnia and restless legs syndrome are commonly observed in people with COPD.
In addition, living with COPD lowers oxygen level which also makes it difficult for a person to get enough sleep. Your brain constantly wakes you up to catch your breath, preventing you from entering deep sleep phases. Some people also suffer from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) which also interrupts sleep and leads to snoring, daytime sleepiness and frequent awakenings.
Sleep Strategies to Manage Sleep Disorders Associate With COPD
The best way to nail down and know the exact cause of sleep disorders associated with COPD is to consult a sleep expert. However, to avoid sleep medication, you can follow simple strategies to get a good night’s sleep. Essentially, you should only go to bed for only two things: to sleep, and to make love. So, if you are not doing any one, then you should not to be in bed. Avoid going to bed if you are awake. If you are having problem in sleeping:
- Don’t watch television, read books or just lie there staring at the clock. You’ll sleep much better when you’re truly tired and sleep just comes naturally.
- If you are not able to sleep even after 20 minutes of going in bed, the make some herbal tea or have a cup of milk. Try to do something relaxing may be like watch favorite sitcoms or read some hilarious one liners.
- When you feel you’re on edge of getting sleep, return to bed and try to sleep again. If you again wake up after 20 or 30 minutes, thinking of doing low-energy everyday tasks such as organizing your cupboard or cleaning your computer table. These activities will help the body to get tired and you’d be ready for sleep.
- Avoid taking naps in evening or afternoon. When you are tired, you will fall asleep much sooner.
- Don’t exercise in evening or engage in any type of hectic working in the two hours prior getting to bed.
- Keep your room conducive enough to sleep properly – cool, dark, and away from noises.
- You can experience many mood swings because of lack of sleep with COPD but keep patience and try to motivate yourself for better sleep practices.
Following these sleep strategies to improve your living with COPD and minimize the effects of sleep disorders associated with COPD.
