Nocturnal Asthma

Asthma and Sleep

Whether it’s due to the symptoms of asthma or just staying up too late, missing sleep can make asthma worse Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Sleep loss promotes inflammation in the body Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source and affects lung function, increasing the chances of an asthma attack.

A recent study found that people who get fewer than six hours of sleep experience 1.5 times more asthma attacks and have a poorer health-related quality of life than those who sleep the recommended 7 to 9 hours each night. Poor sleep in people with asthma may also be related to the presence of other health conditions, including sleep disorders, and the stimulating effects of asthma medications.

The symptoms of asthma can flare up or get worse at night. Nighttime asthma, called nocturnal asthma, is an experience that can wreak havoc on a person’s sleep and may be a sign of more severe or poorly-controlled asthma.

What is Nocturnal Asthma?

Nocturnal asthma is common, and about 75% of people with asthma are woken up by nighttime symptoms at least once per week Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Around 40% of people with asthma experience nocturnal symptoms every night. Having poorly controlled or more severe asthma makes a person more likely to experience nocturnal symptoms.

The mechanisms behind asthma symptoms getting worse at night are not fully understood Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source but may be related to normal hormonal changes in the evening. Many hormones — including epinephrine, cortisol, and melatonin — have circadian patterns, which are 24-hour cycles connected to the body’s internal clock. Changes in these hormones that occur in the evening may contribute to inflammation in the airways, increasing the risk of nocturnal asthma symptoms. Hormonal changes during pregnancy Trusted Source American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. View Source can also affect the symptoms of asthma.

Obesity can also increase the risk of nocturnal asthma and make asthma more difficult to manage. While this link is not fully understood, researchers have hypothesized that excess fat around the throat and increased systemic inflammation may contribute to nocturnal asthma in patients with obesity.

Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is another medical condition commonly associated with nocturnal asthma. As many as 80% of people with asthma also experience GERD symptoms Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source like heartburn and regurgitation.

Nocturnal Asthma Triggers

In addition to obesity, GERD, and circadian hormonal changes, there are many environmental triggers that can provoke nocturnal asthma.

• Tobacco smoke: Smoking and exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke can weaken lung function and irritate the airways Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source .
• Allergens in the bedroom: Many people with asthma are sensitive to dust mites, droppings from pests like cockroaches and rodents, animal dander, mold, and pollen. Even if people are exposed to these allergens during the day, a delayed allergic response can cause asthma to act up after getting into bed.
• Diet: Some people with asthma are sensitive to sulfites in foods and beverages like beer, wine, dried fruit, processed potatoes, and shrimp. If consumed too close to bedtime, these foods may trigger nocturnal asthma.
• Medications: Some medications, including certain cold medicines, aspirin, vitamins, and even eye drops can trigger nocturnal asthma when taken too close to bedtime.
• Cold air: Cold air is a common trigger during the day and can also trigger nighttime symptoms if the bedroom environment is too cold or a window is left open.
• Other medical issues: Viral infections like colds, the flu, and sinus infections are some of the most common triggers for nocturnal asthma attacks.

Nocturnal Asthma and Children

Asthma is more common in children than in adults and is the most common chronic disease in children worldwide Trusted Source World Health Organization (WHO) Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health. View Source . Accurately diagnosing and treating nocturnal asthma in children is especially important because the effects of nocturnal asthma, like loss of sleep and daytime sleepiness, are associated with behavioral and developmental difficulties Trusted Source National Center for Biotechnology Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Unfortunately, nocturnal asthma often goes undiagnosed in children because they tend to underestimate or not report their nighttime symptoms. For this reason, it’s helpful for parents to monitor and report back to the doctor any concerning symptoms in children. These symptoms may include wheezing, disturbed sleep, daytime sleepiness, and difficulties concentrating at school.

Asthma and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which the airways narrow or collapse during sleep. Asthma and OSA share similar symptoms and appear to have a bidirectional relationship Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . This means that having one of these respiratory conditions increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with the other. OSA is particularly common in people with asthma who also snore and those with poorly-controlled asthma symptoms.

People with asthma may find it helpful to talk to their doctors about obstructive sleep apnea. Because asthma puts a person at an increased risk of developing OSA Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source , research suggests that periodic evaluations for OSA may help patients with asthma. Fortunately, treating OSA can often reduce asthma symptoms Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source .

Controlling Asthma

Asthma symptoms can often be controlled by working with a doctor, allergist, or pulmonologist (lung specialist) to create a personalized Asthma Action Plan Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source . Controlling asthma typically involves taking asthma medications and making a plan to avoid triggers that make asthma worse. Asthma medications come in two forms: quick-relief medicines that control asthma attacks and long-term control medicines that reduce the frequency and severity of future asthma attacks.

The American Lung Association recommends that people with asthma visit their doctor at least once a year to discuss their Asthma Action Plan. Yet even with the best plan, asthma can sometimes get out of control. If a person with asthma begins to experience new asthma symptoms or starts having trouble with routine activities — like cooking, cleaning, or bathing — it’s important to call a healthcare provider right away.

Avoiding Nighttime Asthma and Improving Sleep

Asthma can make it challenging to get quality sleep, so it’s helpful to cultivate habits that support sleep health. Focusing on improving sleep hygiene is a significant first step. By developing a regular sleep schedule and healthy daytime routines, people with asthma can reduce unnecessary daytime fatigue and focus on controlling their asthma symptoms.

Asthma triggers in the bedroom may increase the risk of nocturnal asthma and lost sleep. In addition to working with a doctor to find solutions for reducing or eliminating asthma triggers, below are a few tips specific to designing the ideal bedroom environment and avoiding nighttime asthma:

• Reducing bedroom allergens: Dust mites and pest residue in the bedroom can trigger nighttime asthma. Eliminating or reducing exposure to these triggers can make a huge difference. Wash bedding regularly and vacuum and dust weekly. Using allergen-proof bedding, like pillows and mattress covers, can help as well. For more information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a helpful guide to reducing asthma triggers at home.
• Keep pets outside the bedroom: Pet dander and saliva is a common asthma trigger. In addition to regular vacuuming and dusting, it’s helpful to keep pets out of the bedroom in general. For additional protection, consider changing clothes before sleep to prevent tracking pet’s dander into the bedding.
• Be careful with scented products: Strong scents from cleaning products, candles, and personal care products can be a trigger for some people with asthma. Consider making the bedroom an odor- and fragrance-free zone to reduce nighttime asthma.
• De-stress before bed: Stress is a common asthma trigger. Creating a nightly routine that incorporates relaxing activities, like soft music, a warm bath, or reading a book can help people fall asleep faster and reduce stress-related asthma attacks. Our guide to relaxation exercises to help fall asleep may be a helpful resource.
• Close the windows: Many people with asthma know that drastic changes in weather, temperature, and air quality can lead to asthma flare-ups. Reduce temperature changes, pollen, and air pollution in the bedroom by closing bedroom windows. Some people may also benefit from regulating the temperature and humidity in the bedroom environment or getting an air filter.
• Keep asthma medication nearby: Treating nighttime asthma attacks is an important part of controlling asthma. Keep asthma medications, along with a glass of water, near the bed so they are within reach if needed during the night.