You’re probably familiar with COPD, but did you know that poor sleep is associated with a significantly increased risk of serious flare-ups? A recent study found that people who sleep poorly are at a 25% to 95% higher risk of developing sudden breathing problems than people who get good quality sleep. These findings suggest that poor sleep may be an even better predictor of flare-ups in patients than their smoking history.
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a progressive lung condition that affects more than 16 million adults in the United States. COPD makes breathing difficult and can lead to several other health problems, including sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression. COPD flare-ups, also known as exacerbations, can last for days or even weeks and are often triggered by cold and flu viruses, pollutants, and dust.
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While there is no cure for COPD, treatments are available that can help improve quality of life and prevent exacerbations. These treatments include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy.
One of the most important things COPD patients can do to manage their condition is getting enough sleep. Sleep gives the body a chance to rest and repair, and it helps to boost immunity. COPD patients should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and they may need to adjust their sleep schedule to accommodate their medications or airway clearance devices. COPD can be a debilitating disease, but patients can enjoy a good quality of life with proper management.
It was found that, in general, poor sleep quality was strongly associated with a higher total of COPD flare-ups. Compared to those with the best possible sleep, participants who had low levels of poor sleep had a 25% increased chance of having a COPD flare-up within the next year. Those with the worst sleep had a nearly 95% increased risk of having a serious COPD flare-up within the next year.
“Among those who already have COPD, knowing how they sleep at night will tell me much more about their risk of a flare-up than knowing whether they smoked for 40 versus 60 years,” said lead study author Aaron Baugh, M.D. “That is very surprising and is not necessarily what I expected going into this study. Smoking is such a central process to COPD that I would have predicted it would be the more important predictor in the case of exacerbations.”
This study demonstrates that poor sleep can have serious health consequences, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough rest each night. If you’re struggling with insomnia or constantly feel exhausted, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits.
Promoting Quality Sleep
Sleep Sure Plus is an excellent way to help promote optimal sleep and restfulness. Through a variety of ingredients, you can enjoy a better quality of sleep. One of the most important ingredients included in this unique formula is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is essential for the regulation of the circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body). Sleep Sure Plus also contains valerian, one of the best natural ingredients for promoting rest and relaxation. Along with 6 other ingredients, melatonin and valerian all work together to provide a better quality of sleep.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
