Many individuals who have asthma might only notice symptoms at night time during sleep. This commonly occurs due to the physical and environmental conditions linked while an individual sleeps. Even though there is no cure for asthma until today, the symptoms can be minimized by properly managing the environmental causes that triggers the flare-ups of asthma when the respiratory system is at its vulnerable state.
What are the physical causes?
During most stages of sleep, the brain produces neurotransmitters that keep the body in a state of metabolic rest. The respiratory system is in a depressed state as the body temperature drops while the heart rate slows down. The reduction in the respiration helps conserve energy but for those who have asthma, it creates a lower threshold of irritation to the environmental conditions that can trigger asthma inflammation and congestion.
Presence of allergens
Most bedrooms are usually filled with irritants and allergens that aggravate the symptoms of allergic asthma. Dander from the pillows and sheets as well as dust mites can lead to sneezing and congestion. Other allergens include animal dander, household mold and even insects such as cockroaches. It is important to wash the sheets used in the bedroom in hot water every week to minimize the allergens as well as keeping the bedroom clean and properly ventilated. Additionally, pets and stuffed toys must be out of the bedroom since these usually hold dust and other potential allergens that can trigger an asthma attack.
Changes in the temperature
The symptoms of asthma can be triggered by changes in the temperature. If the air is cool without humidity, it can trigger coughing and cause irritation in the lungs. Generally, sleep is usually better in cooler temperatures. The individual can try sleeping with a humidifier in the bedroom during cold weather and if the air conditioning is being used. You can enroll in a first aid course today so that you are prepared to manage an asthma attack.
Nightmares
It is important to note that asthma can be induced by emotional expressions including fear and stress. When the individual drifts away in a dream-like sleep, the body temperature increases naturally and the brain becomes active just like being awake. Dreams that are scary can trigger intense emotions and cause abrupt awakening as well as feeling of panic that can coincide with the symptoms of asthma.
The connection between asthma and nightmares is uncertain but it has a link between nightmares and all obstructive airway diseases. Even though there is no cure for nightmares, individuals with asthma can reduce this possibility by improving sleep hygiene, avoid watching disturbing movies before sleeping, relaxing before going to bed and using a steam bowl to open up the airways before going to bed. These measures can help promote better sleep at night.