Apart from the outbreak of pneumonia in China, a disease called White Lung Syndrome caused by a novel bacterial pneumonia strain has been reported in the United States and other countries. Both strains cause a condition similar to pneumonia, including symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort, fever, tiredness, and difficulty in breathing. Moreover, experts say that when you have pneumonia, your sleep quality may be affected.
Pneumonia is an infection that causes swelling of the air sacs in one or both lungs. Air sacs are tiny pockets in the lungs where the air is purified. “When the air sacs are inflamed, they may fill with fluid or pus, which can cause difficulty in breathing,” says Dr Sunil Kumar K, lead consultant – interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
How does having pneumonia affect sleep?
Pneumonia can make you feel exhausted, which may lead to disturbed sleep. “When a person lies down, inflammatory fluids build up in their lungs, resulting in breathlessness,” says Dr Shivaraj Ajji Kariyappala Lakshman, consultant – pulmonology, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. He adds, “Chest pain and coughing are common symptoms of pneumonia — these can also make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep as you may not be able to find a comfortable sleeping position.”
Those with pneumonia face issues, such as:
- Cough: With a persistent cough, your throat could become sore and uncomfortable, and you could have a hoarse voice. These may disrupt sleep.
- Fever: This is among the most common symptoms of pneumonia, and can make people uncomfortable, restless and sweaty. Thus, people find it hard to sleep and remain asleep for longer.
- Shortness of breath: Those with severe pneumonia could experience shortness of breath. This can make one anxious and distressed, making it hard to relax and sleep. Those having trouble breathing could also wake up frequently, interrupting restful sleep.
Ways to get a good sleep while having pneumonia
Sleep deprivation can delay the healing process and increase the chances of complications when one has pneumonia. Here are some easy but effective ways to sleep better while having pneumonia.
- Ensure proper sleep schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, even on the weekends, can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to improved sleep quality. Establishing a comfortable sleeping environment, such as a dark, silent, and cool bedroom, can also help to promote relaxation and enable better sleep.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen pneumonia. So, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Having fluids helps in loosening the mucus in the lungs and brings up phlegm, helping in sleeping better.
- Elevate your head: One of the best ways to promote a night of restful sleep is raising your head with some extra pillows and keeping it higher than your chest. This helps in reducing congestion and makes breathing easier.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier can keep the air moist, thereby making breathing easy and reducing cough.
- Clear the nasal passages: Decongestants or saline nasal sprays can help clear stuffy sinuses, which helps one fall asleep.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking: Smoking and consuming alcohol irritate the lungs, worsening pneumonia. This makes it more likely to keep an individual awake. Avoiding these can help promote easier sleep onset.
- Engage in physical activity: Engaging in regular physical activity or breathing exercises can help the lungs regain strength and improve sleep quality. However, experts recommend avoiding strenuous workouts close to bedtime. Such routines may worsen the cough and make it harder to fall asleep.
- Seek medical help: If sleep problems persist despite these strategies, consult a healthcare professional. They may consider treatments or prescribe medications to address specific symptoms and improve sleep quality.
Takeaways
- Pneumonia can make one feel exhausted, leading to disturbed sleep.
- Cough, shortness of breath and fever are caused due to pneumonia. Such issues can lead to sleep disturbances.
- Elevating the head while sleeping and avoiding alcohol intake can help in getting a good night’s sleep even while having pneumonia.
