Sleep Disordered Breathing, Insomnia & Asthma: What’s the connection?

Across the globe, asthma is one of the most common, long-term, and non-communicable conditions. While affecting people of all ages, it is the leading chronic disease in children. It’s also a condition we frequently treat at the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates. 

Getting a good night’s sleep

With asthma, it’s difficult to move air in and out of the lungs. When triggered, already hypersensitive airways swell further, and the muscles around the small airways tighten. As this happens, the passages in the lungs get narrower, and it gets harder and harder to breathe. 

For asthmatics, congestion, mucous, snoring, coughing, wheezing, and breathing issues can also make it difficult to get a restful and restorative night’s sleep. As a matter of fact, insomnia is common in adults with asthma, which in turn contributes to additional physical, emotional, and quality of life issues. 

Obstructive sleep apnea and asthma

Studies also demonstrate a link between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Symptoms of OSAS, including snoring and apneas, are common in the asthmatic population. Furthermore, the relationship between the two conditions is bidirectional, with each one detrimental to the other. Not only are OSAS symptoms more common in asthmatic patients, but having this sleep-related breathing disorder can also exacerbate asthma. Evidence suggests that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with poor asthma control and more frequent exacerbations for people with asthma.

Trusted care to help you breathe easier 

At the office of North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we understand the relationships between asthma insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and the consequences to a patient’s health and overall well-being. We provide comprehensive care and management strategies for asthma, sleep apnea, and other conditions affecting respiratory function and lung health. Treatment plans for asthma are customized to help patients identify and avoid triggers, control the condition, manage attacks, and enjoy an improved quality of life.