The importance of assessing sleep in patients with COPD
Published: 12th December 2024
Overview
- Poor sleep is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1–3
- COPD can affect sleep in several ways due to its symptoms, patient anxiety and nocturnal hypoventilation syndrome.4,5
- A comprehensive medical and sleep history in all patients is vital to determine the cause of sleep disturbance.5
- Many conditions affect patients with COPD including mood disorders, circadian rhythm abnormalities, comorbidities and medications.5-8
- Manage sleep disturbances by regulating sleep-wake rhythms, addressing symptoms, adjusting medications, and appropriate treatment of comorbidities.5
Sleep is an important period of natural unconsciousness characterised by closed eyes, a significant reduction in nervous system activity and relaxation of postural muscles.9 Sleep plays an important role in memory consolidation, as well as cognitive and restorative functions.4 Poor sleep causes a significant impact on the neurological, cardiovascular, endocrine and immunological systems.10–13 It is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality in COPD, a chronic respiratory condition characterised by persistent airflow limitation, often requiring long-term management.14,1-3
