Sleep in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the US, affecting 14 millions adults. Symptoms related to sleep disturbances are common in individuals with moderate to severe COPD, particularly in elderly patients. One cause of morbidity in this population is abnormalities in gas exchange and resultant hypoxemia, which can lead to elevated pulmonary pressures, dyspnea, and right ventricular overload and failure. Sleep has profound adverse effects on respiration and gas exchange in patients with COPD. Smoking cessation, bronchodilation, inhaled steroids in those with a reversible component, and pulmonary rehabilitation are cornerstones of treatment. Improvement in lung mechanics and gas exchange should lead to better sleep quality and health status.