Can I Just Get Some Sleep?

By Corinne Dilger

2 min read

I don't know about you, but I'm tired.

It could be the whole college student thing or maybe living with chronic illnesses, but I could use some good, solid sleep.

Asthma and my notorious insomnia

The joke's on me; I've never been a good sleeper. I didn't even take naps as a baby! Asthma has definitely thrown a wrench further into catching my zzzs thanks to its symptoms. My notorious insomnia was further amplified when I landed on chronic prednisone over 2 years ago.

2:30 AM became my most productive time of the day (night?), and I've been known to submit many an assignment long after I should have gone to sleep and long before I should be awake.

My lungs work overtime at night

I generally try to avoid getting the oh-so-necessary shuteye. Why? I never get to sleep alone!

My lungs already have a very lackluster performance during the day, but they really outdo themselves overnight. As a result, I never get to just flop down on my once-singular pillow and drift off to dreamland.

My nighttime breathing support

A bed wedge and 3 pillows

Lying flat on my back is not an option for me as it dramatically increases symptoms and pretty much guarantees a wheezy night. I've tried numerous different combinations and thus far 1 wedge and 3 strategically placed pillows has been the kindest to my lungs (and shoulder!).

My overnight O2

Though sleep studies have ruled out sleep apnea, I do have significant nocturnal hypoxemia and it behooves me to wear supplemental oxygen. My very loud, and quite toasty, oxygen concentrator pulls up right next to my bed. I put on my nasal cannula then try to secure the cannula with countless pieces of tape. Though I don't sleep well (or a lot) I am quite a temperamental sleeper and my cannula tends to spend a good portion of the night oxygenating the floor. If anyone has suggestions, please comment below!

A pulse-oximetry device

Overnight desaturations are not fun, especially when I quite often lose my supplemental oxygen. In comes my pulse oximeter. This oximeter is meant for continuous monitoring, with a bracelet and a finger sensor (that I also have to tape in place!). Mine is Bluetooth and lets me check the report on my phone in the morning. The best – or worst – part of this oximeter is the alarms you can set. My doctor instructed me what to set the SpO2 lower limit at and if I drop below that number, this lovely device will alert me. It accomplishes this by vibrating continuously until my oxygen saturation improves and will even make my phone alarm. This seems like a good way to get no sleep if you frequently de-sat (raising my hand high here!), but it gives me peace of mind and comfort going to bed. If my oxygen is lower than it should be, at least I'll know!

I would not have it any other way

As annoying as it is to get myself all propped up and hooked up before I can even attempt to sleep, my lungs and I wouldn't have it any other way anymore. Plus, it's exceptionally stylish.

Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you have any tips for better or more comfortable sleep? Share with us in the comments below!

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CommunityMember1111 Member
Try longer 02 tubing...I keep my concentrator in another room.
runcyclexcski_ Member
Longer O2 tubing is a good idea, although one may need to adjust the pressure. I never needed oxygen except when I am in the ER (and it feels great each time to have it!) After I got asthma (following a viral infection), but before I first got diagnosed with allergic asthma, I spent 2 years without getting proper sleep. I do not know what your specific diagnosis is, but I started getting good night sleep after I started sleeping in a positively pressurized HEPA/charcoal filtered "habi-chamber" (bubble) which controls the particles and VOCs that get in. Inside the chamber, every pillow is enclosed to an air-tight bag. I take this setup with me when I travel (including the air filter that blows the air into the chamber through a tube). The filter is in another room, so, there are no issues with noise.
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="runcyclexcski_" user-id="4513190"/> That's fantastic to hear that creating a controlled environment that filters out particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has significantly improved indoor air quality, making it easier for you to breathe and reducing asthma triggers. Getting a night of restful sleep is crucial for overall well-being. Thanks for sharing this with the community. Wishing you well. Rebecca (community moderator)
Beetlebeau Member
I used to do the thing where I tried to prop myself up with pillows, and I also had to consider how to do it to alleviate a bad back. Now I've totally given up sleeping in my bed, and sleep in a recliner every night. I still don't get a great night's sleep because I cough a lot and that wakes me up, but at least I can breathe better than when I'm lying down. Have you ever tried that?
Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Beetlebeau" user-id="6905062"/> Finding the right balance between managing your asthma symptoms and achieving a comfortable sleep position can be challenging. Switching to sleeping in a recliner may provide some relief, as it allows you to maintain a more upright position that can aid in breathing. However, it's understandable that this arrangement may not be ideal for obtaining a restful night's sleep, especially if you are experiencing frequent coughing episodes. Thanks for sharing what has been working for you in the past. Wishing you a better night's rest as you manage your breathing. Respectfully - Rebecca (community moderator)
CommunityMember6702472 Member
Opposite problem: My breathing is usually smooth and steady at night (minus a few nights when coughing/spitting happens). I breathe well when awakening, think I'll do all kinds of things that day. Then when on my feet, even just making coffee, the shortness of breath starts, and I battle it all day. Taking many more OTC meds than I used to. Anyone understand this pattern? 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 HI again, <inline-mention username="CommunityMember6702472" user-id="6702472"/>, and thanks for joining in the conversation here. You may be aware that asthma affects everyone differently. Having said that, the symptoms and breathing patterns that may accompany asthma episodes can also vary (considerably), from patient to patient. After reading what you've shared here with the community, I would say, generally speaking of course, that the pattern you've described may have to do with the level of activity during the day (which may cause you to feel short of breath (SOB)). Compare this with the relative calm of a good night's sleep, which may not be a trigger for an asthma episode. My suggestion is to speak about your concerns with your physician. The doctor may be able to suggest something for you (in the way of pharmaceuticals), for you to use when you are experiencing SOB. What do you think? Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)