A person sleeping with lungs and clouds interwoven

Sleep Disorders and Breathing: What's the Connection?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising link between chronic respiratory issues and sleep disturbances, and what you can do about it."

If you're living with a chronic respiratory disease like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you know how challenging it can be to manage your symptoms. But what you might not realize is that these conditions can also significantly impact your sleep. Sleep disorders are more common in people with chronic respiratory illnesses, creating a frustrating cycle where breathing problems disrupt sleep, and poor sleep worsens respiratory symptoms.

Research shows a strong connection between chronic respiratory diseases and sleep disorders such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and obstructive sleep apnea. These sleep disorders not only affect your quality of life but can also exacerbate respiratory issues, leading to more frequent flare-ups and a decline in overall health.

This article will explore the prevalence of sleep disorders in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, examine the factors that contribute to this connection, and provide practical advice on how to improve both your sleep and respiratory health. Understanding this link is the first step towards a more restful and healthier life.

The Link Between Your Lungs and Your Sleep

A person sleeping with lungs and clouds interwoven

A recent study investigated the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. The research involved analyzing data from veterans who underwent pulmonary function testing. Questionnaires were used to assess respiratory health, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

The findings revealed a significant overlap between respiratory issues and sleep disturbances. Specifically, the study highlighted that:

High Prevalence: Sleep disorders are highly prevalent in individuals with chronic respiratory conditions.
Poor Sleep Quality: A large percentage of participants reported poor sleep quality.
Impact on Quality of Life: Respiratory issues affected participants' daily lives, including functional limitations and overall quality of life.
Correlation with Morbidity: The severity of respiratory disease correlated with the prevalence of sleep disorders.

These results suggest that the worse your respiratory condition, the more likely you are to experience sleep disturbances. This highlights the importance of addressing both respiratory and sleep issues in a comprehensive manner.

Taking Control of Your Sleep and Breathing

If you have a chronic respiratory disease and are struggling with sleep, it's crucial to take proactive steps to improve your well-being. Here's what you can do:

<b>Talk to Your Doctor:</b> Discuss your sleep problems with your physician. They can assess your respiratory condition and recommend appropriate treatments for both your lungs and your sleep. This might include medications, breathing exercises, or referral to a sleep specialist.

<b>Improve Your Sleep Hygiene:</b> Create a relaxing bedtime routine, ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool, and avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Consider using a humidifier to ease breathing. Prioritizing these habits can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. By addressing both your respiratory health and sleep habits, you can break the cycle of poor sleep and improved overall quality of life. Don't underestimate the power of a good night's rest!

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1378/chest.1118606, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalence Of Sleep Disorders And Their Determinants In Patients With Chronic Respiratory Disease

Subject: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Journal: Chest

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Vishal Sawhney, Joseph Rosen, Bridget Baringer, Hashir Majid, Max Hirshkowitz, Amir Sharafkhaneh

Published: 2011-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

How do chronic respiratory diseases affect sleep?

Chronic respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to conditions like insomnia, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and obstructive sleep apnea. The discomfort and physiological changes associated with breathing difficulties often make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Addressing the respiratory issues can alleviate some sleep disturbances.

What does research reveal about the connection between breathing and sleep disorders?

Research indicates a notable overlap between respiratory problems and sleep disorders. A study involving veterans revealed that individuals with chronic respiratory conditions experienced a high prevalence of sleep disorders and reported poor sleep quality. The severity of respiratory disease correlated with the prevalence of sleep disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated management of both conditions. The study also considered the impact of respiratory issues on participants' daily lives, including functional limitations and overall quality of life.

What explains the connection between breathing difficulties and sleep disturbances?

The relationship is complex. Respiratory issues can directly disrupt sleep by causing discomfort, coughing, or shortness of breath. Poor sleep can worsen respiratory symptoms by weakening the immune system and making individuals more susceptible to respiratory infections. Furthermore, sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea can lead to reduced oxygen levels during sleep, exacerbating respiratory problems.

What steps can I take to improve my sleep if I have a chronic respiratory disease?

If you have a chronic respiratory disease and are struggling with sleep, it's important to proactively manage both conditions. This includes working closely with your healthcare provider to optimize respiratory treatments, such as medications and pulmonary rehabilitation. Additionally, adopting good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimizing your sleep environment, can help improve sleep quality.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing sleep disorders when you have chronic respiratory issues?

Untreated sleep disorders in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases can lead to a decline in overall health and quality of life. Poor sleep can worsen respiratory symptoms, leading to more frequent flare-ups and hospitalizations. Additionally, sleep disorders have been linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Addressing both respiratory and sleep issues is essential for preventing these complications and promoting overall well-being.