Causes and advice for sleep problems with asthma

Asthma patients not only have a higher chance of sleep problems. Possibly, more defense substances are active in the lungs at night, causing more complaints. But lack of sleep often also increases the severity of asthma symptoms. This is because breathing is influenced by the rest during sleep. This phenomenon is known as nocturnal asthma.

Typical symptoms of nocturnal asthma are coughing fits, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and shortness of breath just before and during sleep. Additionally, repeatedly waking up during the night can lead to tiredness, concentration problems, and difficulty controlling asthma symptoms during the day, both in adults and children. This can have significant consequences for quality of life.

Common symptoms of nocturnal asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing

Effects of nocturnal asthma

Nocturnal asthma can also have other effects on both adults and children, including:

• Lack of concentration during the day
• Excessive sleepiness during the day
• Difficulty controlling asthma symptoms during the day

Although the exact reasons why asthma worsens at night are not yet fully known, there are certain factors that increase the chance of nocturnal asthma attacks. Some triggers for asthma attacks during the night are:

• Sleeping position: Certain sleeping positions, such as lying on the side or stomach, can narrow the airways and thus worsen the symptoms of nocturnal asthma. Lying on the back can cause mucus from the nose to drip to the back of the throat, which can cause nighttime coughing.
• Inhaling cold air: Although a cool bedroom is conducive to sleep, nocturnal asthma can worsen in winter or in rooms with air conditioning. Cold air is dry, and the loss of moisture and warmth in the airways can cause an asthma attack.
• Exposure to allergens during the night: House dust mites in bedding or mattresses, pet dander, dust particles, and molds in the bedroom can irritate the airways and increase susceptibility to nocturnal asthma.
• Exposure to allergens in the evening: Exposure to allergens in the evening, such as pollen or animal hair, can cause a delayed or 'late phase' reaction. This can lead to airway obstruction several hours later, increasing the risk of an asthma attack at night.
• Insufficient control of asthma during the day: If the asthma treatment plan is not properly followed during the day, the risk of nocturnal asthma attacks increases.
• Changes in lung function: During sleep, the body undergoes natural processes that can increase sensitivity to nocturnal asthma. Lung function is naturally lower at night. As the muscles relax, the upper airway narrows, resulting in increased resistance in the lungs. This raises the chance of breathing difficulties and coughing fits during the night.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during sleep can worsen asthma. Studies have shown that reduced cortisol levels during sleep contribute to airway obstruction.

Since poor sleep can worsen asthma and asthma in turn can cause sleep problems, a vicious circle arises. Therefore, it is important to take measures to improve sleep quality as much as possible. Here are some tips that may help:

• Ensure a clean sleeping environment free of allergens. Do not allow pets in the bedroom, wash bedding regularly at high temperatures to remove house dust mites, ventilate the bedroom, and treat any mold on walls. Avoid using duvets and pillows with feathers.
• Regulate the room temperature in the bedroom. Close windows during the night, avoid air conditioning, and consider using an air purifier to improve air quality in the bedroom.
• Treat underlying conditions: If there are underlying conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), allergic rhinitis, or obstructive sleep apnea, make sure these conditions are treated and kept under control.
• Keep your emergency inhaler next to your bed. This way you have it within reach if you start coughing at night.
• Keep a glass of water next to your bed. Take a sip of water if your symptoms worsen. Moisture helps soothe the airways and can relieve nighttime coughing.
• Do breathing exercises. Various breathing techniques are used to relieve asthma symptoms and can help stop an asthmatic cough at night. If you wake up coughing at night, you can try applying a breathing exercise to control your cough.
• Undergo an asthma evaluation with your general practitioner or practice nurse. They can check whether you are using your inhalers correctly and discuss possible triggers for your nocturnal asthma.
• Follow an asthma treatment plan. Keep your asthma under control by taking your medication properly, monitoring your symptoms, following an effective asthma treatment plan, and adjusting medication if necessary according to your doctor's advice.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Follow a balanced diet and stay active to keep your weight under control.
• Stop smoking. Smoking can worsen asthma and aggravate the symptoms of nocturnal asthma.

It is important to note that these tips may not work for everyone and that it is advisable to consult a doctor for personal advice and treatment. A doctor can assess the specific situation and make additional recommendations to reduce sleep problems with asthma.

Although weighted blankets can offer many benefits for certain people, it is important to note that they are not suitable for everyone. People with chronic health conditions, such as severe asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other airway disorders, should be cautious when using a weighted blanket at night, as it may worsen the symptoms of these conditions. Would you still like to try it? Then first contact your doctor to discuss this.

In this case, a weighted blanket can be effective in the period before going to bed. For example, use the weighted blanket on the couch to calm down. You will then go to bed with a relaxed body and fall asleep more easily.

We hope that after reading this article you have enough information about sleep problems with asthma. If you have any questions about using a weighted blanket with asthma, we are happy to help.