Lung Disorders and Sleep Quality:
How the Two Are Connected
Sleep is a vital aspect of human health, contributing significantly to physical and mental well-being. It allows our bodies to rejuvenate and repair, promoting optimal cognitive function, immune response, and overall vitality. At North Brisbane Sleep and Thoracic, we provide care and treatment for patients with sleep disorders or disturbances. However, managing sleep-related conditions is just one part of our service offerings. Lung disorders have a strong impact on sleep quality – with 75% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients experiencing sleep-related problems – and as a result, we offer lung function testing to provide comprehensive sleep and thoracic care.
There are various reasons for the connection between lung disorders and sleep quality, including the disruption of breathing patterns. Lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnoea can cause recurring episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and apnoea during sleep; breathing for individuals with lung conditions is normally more challenging when lying down. These disruptions disturb the continuity of sleep and can lead to frequent awakenings, ultimately resulting in fragmented and unrestful sleep.
Lung disorders can also lead to lower oxygen levels in the blood, a condition known as hypoxemia. This reduction in blood oxygen saturation affects the brain's ability to regulate sleep cycles, often resulting in poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.
Furthermore, living with a lung disorder can contribute to heightened anxiety and stress levels. The anticipation of breathing difficulties or exacerbations during sleep can lead to increased insomnia, restless nights, and a constant state of vigilance that interferes with the ability to relax and achieve deep sleep.
North Brisbane Sleep and Thoracic is dedicated to providing quality, evidence-based healthcare. With a strong understanding of the connection between lung disorders and sleep quality, our team offers lung function testing services – including spirometry and diffusing capacity – to support, diagnose and appropriately treat patients. Refer patients displaying symptoms of sleep or lung conditions to North Brisbane Sleep and Thoracic to be looked after by our professional, experienced doctors.