Study finds link between Insomnia and Asthma

A new study from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh has found that insomnia is very common in adults with asthma .
The team found that clinically significant insomnia was present in 37 percent of study participants with asthma, according to a recent statement. These results also suggest that adults with the chronic respiratory condition who also have insomnia may be at increased risk for issues such as depression and anxiety .

Patients with asthma commonly say they have some difficulty with sleep, but reported that these issues are not due to asthma symptoms disturbing their slumber. Additionally, researchers found that those with the condition generally had a higher BMI, worse lung function and lower annual household income compared to people without insomnia,

"Our results show that poor sleep may not be solely due to nighttime awakening due to asthma symptoms but may represent comorbid insomnia," said lead author Faith Luyster, PhD, according to the statement. "... comorbid insomnia can significantly impact asthma outcomes including quality of life and healthcare utilization."
The authors said more studies are needed before we can clearly understand the relationship between asthma and insomnia. Going forward,they recommended further research on how cognitive-behavioral therapy might affect the sleep disorder.

Common signs and symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute , proper treatment typically results in fewer, if any, asthma symptoms either during the day or at night.

Source: Luyster FS, Strollo PJ, Holguin F, Castro M, Dunican EM, Fahy J, et al. Association Between Insomnia and Asthma Burden in the Severe Asthma Research Program. CHEST . 2016.

Posted via Blogaway