Chronic Lung Disease: Managing Sleep Problems

Chronic lung diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  COPD is a term that is most often used to describe chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic lung diseases also include pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis.

If you have a chronic lung disease, you may have trouble sleeping. You may wake up often at night or you may not feel rested in the morning. There are many reasons you may not be getting a good night’s sleep. Lung disease can make it harder to breathe at night. Age, certain medicines, and not getting enough activity during the day can also affect sleep. 

Sleeping better

If you are having trouble sleeping, speak with your healthcare provider about it.  Some things you can try are the following:

• Use a breathing technique. Taking slow, deep breaths can help you relax and fall asleep.

  • Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to do pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing in bed. Both of these breathing methods are good for people with lung disease.

  • Do not have drinks with caffeine in the afternoon or evening. 

• Try to go to sleep and wake up at around the same time every day. This helps your body get into a pattern.

• Avoid long naps during the day. This can make it harder to sleep at night. A very brief nap should be OK.

• Make sure your bed and bedroom are comfortable for you. This includes temperature, light, and noise level.

• It may be best not to watch television or use your computer or phone in bed.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicines you take at bedtime, they may be keeping you awake. You may be able to take the medicine at another time of day.

• Talk with your provider about trying cognitive behavioral therapy. It works by changing behavior.
• In some cases prescription or over-the-counter medicines may help you sleep better for a short time.

CPAP and BiPAP

To help with breathing at night, your healthcare provider may prescribe a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device or a BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) device.  These devices send a gentle flow of air through a nasal mask while you sleep. This air goes through your nose and into your lungs, keeping your airways open. Below are tips for using these devices:

• Give yourself time to adjust to the device. It may take a while. You can ask your provider or someone from the medical supply company for suggestions to make it more comfortable.

• If your mask does not fit or feel right, talk to your provider or the medical supply company representative about adjusting it. You may be able to try a different mask. Custom-made masks may also be available.

• These devices work best if your nose is clear. If you have allergies or other problems that block your nose, talk to your provider.