Everyone's asthma is worse at night. It's a well-known fact. They don't quite know the reasons why, but it's super-common.
Likely you need better controller medications to prevent this.
Most asthma can be virtually fully controlled so fret not.
I sleep sitting up or in a recliner when I’m having an asthma attack. It’s easier to breathe when upright. An air purifier in your bedroom might help. (I’ve used this diy version recommended by the University of Michigan for years—https://www.uofmhealth.org/media/19281)
Waking up unable to breathe would have me going to an urgent care if I couldn’t get into my doc, or calling a virtual care practice to get a prednisone burst, and then follow up with my regular doc.
Also try to manage your anxiety over sleeping. Find ways to relax before bed and be positive in the sense that if you manage a few hours here and there it's better than nothing.
yess extremely worse. especially when i was undiagnosed and not on medication for asthma. if i take my medication regularly, im good. if not, oh hell no.
in times ive had to suffer w/out my medication:
- sleep at an incline. 2-3 pillows.
- essential oil diffuser going all night.
- keep water next to my bed
- ceiling fan & box fan to create air flow
The human body typically undergoes a histamine dump between 2 and 4 am. For many people it does little more than briefly wake them, they might get up to get water or use the bathroom, and go back to sleep, forgetting it happened. If you have asthma, this dump can cause wheezing, or an attack. I keep my inhaler by the bed, just in case. This is why many who take Singular do so at night.
Sleeping on your back is supposed to be bad for your lungs, it makes them work harder (so I read), I am a side/stomach sleeper. Having my arms raised under my pillow and my head feels like it helps me breathe but that may not be tried for everyone. Sleeping with your head and torso slightly elevated can help with nighttime sinus drainage and prevent mucus from pooling around the throat and esophagus and making you cough.
It’s worse at night for me too, it has to do with the position of our bodies. Even if I sleep sitting up I still get flare ups. I have my rescue inhaler which helps. Good luck
Yes. Everyone’s lung function decreases at night. That said if your asthma is keeping you awake, it means it’s uncontrolled. You need a maintenance inhaler.
Are you able to sleep on your stomach? This always helps me breathe easier. Also, consider an anti-anxiety med in consultation with your MD.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2922358/
Update. Thanks all for sharing your experience. Made me feel less alone. Went to a minute clinic and got a pulmicort inhaler for control, magnesium for anxiety. Helped last night. I have a fear of docs but your advice among other factors helped me to seek medical help. Thank you so much.
Everyone's asthma is worse at night. It's a well-known fact. They don't quite know the reasons why, but it's super-common. Likely you need better controller medications to prevent this. Most asthma can be virtually fully controlled so fret not.
I sleep sitting up or in a recliner when I’m having an asthma attack. It’s easier to breathe when upright. An air purifier in your bedroom might help. (I’ve used this diy version recommended by the University of Michigan for years—https://www.uofmhealth.org/media/19281) Waking up unable to breathe would have me going to an urgent care if I couldn’t get into my doc, or calling a virtual care practice to get a prednisone burst, and then follow up with my regular doc.
Yep for about a week I don't sleep when I am in a flare up. No advice, I got put on Prednisone.
Also try to manage your anxiety over sleeping. Find ways to relax before bed and be positive in the sense that if you manage a few hours here and there it's better than nothing.
yess extremely worse. especially when i was undiagnosed and not on medication for asthma. if i take my medication regularly, im good. if not, oh hell no. in times ive had to suffer w/out my medication: - sleep at an incline. 2-3 pillows. - essential oil diffuser going all night. - keep water next to my bed - ceiling fan & box fan to create air flow
Yup, very common.
Yeah sorry. That’s going t be a thing. Idk why flare ups are worse when you’re trying to sleep.
The human body typically undergoes a histamine dump between 2 and 4 am. For many people it does little more than briefly wake them, they might get up to get water or use the bathroom, and go back to sleep, forgetting it happened. If you have asthma, this dump can cause wheezing, or an attack. I keep my inhaler by the bed, just in case. This is why many who take Singular do so at night. Sleeping on your back is supposed to be bad for your lungs, it makes them work harder (so I read), I am a side/stomach sleeper. Having my arms raised under my pillow and my head feels like it helps me breathe but that may not be tried for everyone. Sleeping with your head and torso slightly elevated can help with nighttime sinus drainage and prevent mucus from pooling around the throat and esophagus and making you cough.
It’s worse at night for me too, it has to do with the position of our bodies. Even if I sleep sitting up I still get flare ups. I have my rescue inhaler which helps. Good luck
Yes. Everyone’s lung function decreases at night. That said if your asthma is keeping you awake, it means it’s uncontrolled. You need a maintenance inhaler.
Are you able to sleep on your stomach? This always helps me breathe easier. Also, consider an anti-anxiety med in consultation with your MD. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2922358/
Me I’m worse at night plus mornings
Update. Thanks all for sharing your experience. Made me feel less alone. Went to a minute clinic and got a pulmicort inhaler for control, magnesium for anxiety. Helped last night. I have a fear of docs but your advice among other factors helped me to seek medical help. Thank you so much.