Although the actual cause of asthma worsening during sleep is uncertain, possibilities include:
- Increased allergen exposure.
- Chilling of the airways.
- Being in a reclining position.
- Hormone releases that follow a circadian pattern.
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Even the act of sleeping can influence bronchial function.
Asthma at Night
Coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness are all exacerbated at night for many persons with severe asthma. We can find out several causes behind this. The airways constrict during sleep, which might result in higher airflow resistance. It may also lead to nocturnal coughing, which can cause airway constriction. In susceptible airways, the increased nasal discharge might potentially provoke asthma. Asthma-related sinusitis is relatively prevalent.
Asthma Facts
The following are some crucial factors that lead to asthma episodes during the night:
1- The Internal Clock of your Body
Some of your hormone levels drop at night due to your circadian cycle, and your airways may shrink slightly if your hormone levels are low. According to the Asthma Society of Canada, these restricted airways might increase asthma symptoms (ASC).
2- Dust Mites
Dust mites are a kind of dust mite. These tiny insect-like parasites and their feces can find a home in your pillows, blankets, and mattress. According to the ASC, dust mite allergies may increase asthma, and you might be wallowing in them while sleeping.
3- Gravity
According to the ASC, your chest and lungs naturally feel increased pressure when you lie down. Gravity. According to the ASC, your chest and lungs naturally endure increased pressure when you lie down.
4- Reclining Position
If you sleep in a reclined position, you may be susceptible to nocturnal asthma difficulties. The buildup of secretions in the airways (sinus drainage or postnasal drip), increased blood volume in the lungs, reduced lung volumes, and increased airway resistance is all possible causes.
5- Air Conditioning
The heat loss from the airways can also be caused by breathing cooler air at night or sleeping in an air-conditioned area. Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by airway cooling and moisture loss, and they’ve also been linked to asthma attacks at night.
6- Lung Function Alters During the Day
During the night, our lungs function differently. Our lung function is optimum during the day, maybe because humans evolved to be active throughout the day. Airway resistance rises throughout the night, and this effect is amplified in asthmatic patients.
7- Stress
At least one research has discovered a link between stress and nocturnal asthma. Because hormones released by the body during stress can cause inflammation, researchers believe that stress may cause narrowed airways in some people.
Avoiding Nighttime Asthma and Improving Sleep
In terms of taking your asthma medications as directed, there are six more things you may do to reduce your risks of having an asthma attack at night:
1- Keep Your Bedroom Clean Regularly
To catch mites and their feces and get them out of your bedroom, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
2- Wash Your Bedding
Wash your bed linens and blankets in warm water once a week, if possible. Most allergies and germs are killed by water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. After washing the bedding, dry it on the highest heat setting available. Due to the intense heat, any leftover allergens are killed, and the material is sterilized.
3- Invest in Mattress and Pillow Coverings
These zipped coverings are tightly woven to keep dust mites out of beds. According to the AAFA, you may find them at bedding and housewares stores.
4- Shut All the Windows
Pollen, dust mites, and even animal dander can irritate your lungs, causing inflammation triggering asthma attacks. Even if your asthma is under control, sleep deprivation can negatively influence your circadian rhythm, leading you to wake up sooner or have difficulty falling asleep.
5- Keep Pets Away
Sleeping with pets is not a good idea. Keep your pets away from the bedroom to avoid. It could accumulate and stick to the carpets and bedding.
6- Purchase a Humidifier
For patients with severe asthma, cold air is drier and more irritating. In the winter, a humidifier may be helpful to add moisture to the air in your bedroom, depending on where you reside.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble sleeping because of asthma symptoms, talk to your doctor about it. It’s possible that adjusting the schedule of your asthma treatment will improve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- Why is my asthma worse in the morning?
Morning asthma is also characterized as “nocturnal asthma” and “nighttime asthma,” among other terms. It simply describes the unpleasant phenomenon of feeling fine before going to bed and waking up with irritated airways. This occurs to everyone from time to time, significantly when the seasons change.
2- How to stop asthmatic cough?
Coughing attacks can be relieved with asthma drugs given by your allergist. A fast-acting bronchodilator inhaler, which expands the airways in the lungs and provides immediate relief, or a corticosteroid inhaler, which soothes inflammation when taken regularly, are two medical aids for this.
3- Which is the best position for relieving asthma attacks?
The most typical position for adults is side sleeping, which helps to expand our airways and allows for consistent airflow to the lungs. It is the best option for you if you snore or suffer from sleep apnea.