Asthma is a condition that is typically characterized by respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. However, when symptoms are chronic or persistent, the person may also suffer from secondary symptoms such as fatigue and daytime sleepiness. When a person experiences asthma attacks that occur during the night or has difficulty sleeping due to chronic asthma – related cough, he/she may feel tired, sleepy and listless in the day time.
Lack of sleep related to asthma can be a vicious cycle. Studies have found that when a person suffering from asthma sleeps for five hours or less a night, his/her symptoms actually are exacerbated. Sleeplessness further aggravates symptoms of the condition, making it very difficult for the person to work full time. Persons who sleep for less than 5 hours day are also at an increased risk of asthma-related hospitalizations.
Poorly -managed asthma makes it more likely that you will suffer fatigue. If your symptoms have made it impossible for you to sleep well, consult your doctor about changes to your asthma management program. Your doctor might be able to switch medications that can help ease your symptoms, encouraging better sleep.