How changing your bed can help Asthma sufferers at night
Losing sleep is no joke. We’ve all had sleepless nights, whether it’s due to insomnia, stress, travelling, babies, puppies, noisy neighbours – or a box-set addiction... It leaves us irritable and moody, and even the simplest of tasks can take longer to complete. The unlucky ones that have to put up with long-term sleep deprivation will find it has a negative affect on their relationships, work-life and even their health.
Asthma sufferers are often some of those unfortunate few. Nocturnal asthma has symptoms like chest tightness, coughing and wheezing during the night, and can seriously affect day-to-day life.
There are a number of factors that contribute to nocturnal asthma. It is an indication firstly that the condition is not under control, so the first step in tackling it is always to make sure the treatment plan is being followed correctly, and that it is up to date.
If the nocturnal asthma remains, you don’t have to struggle on – there are still lots of things to do to get that beauty sleep back.
Eating well and exercising is important. And a bedtime routine is key. Doing a set of calming activities in the same order, like a hot drink, deep breathing, a warm bath, or simply sticking to a set bedtime will train your mind and body to prepare for sleep and relaxation.
Another effective way for asthma sufferers to tackle poor sleep patterns is to adjust their sleeping position. It makes sense that lying supine creates more pressure on the chests and lungs, as a result of gravity. And staying that flat position means mucus will begin to gather in the back of the throat and lungs too, making it more difficult to breathe, and often triggering a cough. Propping the torso up can often make a huge difference – relieving the pressure on the lungs and letting gravity assist with drainage instead.
There are many adjustable beds available these days, which can be made to measure. With an electric-riser asthma sufferers can raise their upper bodies as much or as little is necessary. There are even dual beds available so partners can remain flat, or at a different height.
A hypoallergenic mattress and bedding can help ensure the bedroom is an allergen-free zone, and keeping the bed well-aired and regularly vacuumed will stay on top of those pesky bed mites.
It is shocking how debilitating long-term sleep deprivation can be, and the utter relief to be had from a return to normal sleep patterns is unparalleled. Whether it’s a simple change to the routine, or a sparkling new comfortable bed, waking from an unbroken sleep after years of suffering is literally life-changing.