A recent study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) revealed how individuals who suffer from asthma that experience too little or excessive sleep could potentially further negative health effects.
Asthma Attack
In the study, short and long sleepers were compared to normal sleepers. The long and short sleepers experienced a higher percentage of asthma attacks during the previous twelve months when compared to normal sleepers. 45% percent of normal sleepers had asthma attacks, while 59% percent of short sleepers and 51% percent of long sleepers experienced an asthma attack. The long and short sleepers also experienced more days with bad health-related to quality of life. Impaired quality of life was defined by having a day of poor mental and physical health.
Study
The study involved over 1,390 adult participants. They were 20 years of age or older. All of them had asthma. Out of the participants, over 25 percent slept for 5 hours or less. More than 65 percent slept up to 8 hours. Over 8 percent had over 9 hours of sleep. They were all asked how much sleep they got at night as well as on workdays or weekdays. Younger, non-white participants had a greater chance of being short sleepers. Older females who were smokers had a greater chance of being long sleepers.
Short Sleepers
When short sleepers and normal sleepers were compared, short sleepers were more likely to experience dry coughs, asthma attacks, and overnight hospitalizations during the previous twelve months. Health-related quality of life was shown to be significantly less for short sleepers. The data shows that they require more general healthcare when compared to people who usually sleep.
Red Flag
When an asthma patient has disturbed sleep, it can be a red flag. This might be a strong indication their asthma isn’t being adequately controlled. The study provided strong evidence of asthma patients’ need to discuss their sleep problems with an allergist. This will make it possible to identify any need to change their asthma plan. The goal will be to have an adequate sleep as part of the proper overall management of their asthma. It also outlines the consequences that should be anticipated when sleeping patterns are significantly inadequate.
Bernstein Allergy Group has allergists who know how to create individual plans, help people deal with their asthma, and improve their quality of life. Contact us today. Learn more about us from our website https://www.bernsteinallergyresearch.com/research-center/.