Chronic illnesses are long-term health conditions that tend to limit daily activities and require continuous medical support and care. It can bring along a number of health challenges, and one of the most common issues can be poor sleep.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, experts shed light on the common sleep struggles faced by those with chronic conditions and offer tips for improving sleep quality.
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How Chronic Illnesses Affect Sleep
Chronic illnesses are often associated with inflammation in the body. These are known as Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), which include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and more. Inflammation occurs when the body's immune system responds to injury or infection.
Chronic inflammation is characterised by slow, long-term inflammation that can last for periods of several months to years, according to StatPearls Publishing. It can be debilitating and can significantly impact sleep quality, which in turn worsens overall health and well-being.
Dr G M Prasad, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, explains that constant pain can keep individuals in a state of high alert, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. This lack of restorative sleep intensifies pain, fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the inflammatory process associated with chronic pain can disrupt sleep architecture, reducing deep sleep and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep—crucial for physical and mental restoration.
Common Sleep Challenges Associated With Chronic Illness
Some of the chronic health conditions include fibromyalgia, arthritis, or chronic fatigue syndrome. People suffering from these conditions often complain of disrupted sleep patterns, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue and pain.
Dr Malla Devi Vinaya, General Physician, Apollo Clinic, Kondapur, lists some of the most common sleep challenges in chronically ill people she encounters in her daily practice:
Insomnia: Difficulty in falling asleep is the most common symptom we are seeing in older age groups and in young adults.
Sleep apnoea: Pauses in breathing during sleep can affect the sleep quality and in turn causes day time drowsiness. It can be secondary to any lung disorders, neuropathies, obesity, snoring .
Altered circadian rhythm: It’s commonly seen in night shift workers who have disturbed biological clock.
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Uncomfortable sensations in the legs, disrupting sleep commonly seen in nutritional deficiencies, Parkinsonism..
Drug-associated sleep issues: Antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, steroids, paracetamol combinations pills, and hormonal drugs can cause insomnia.
Stress: Major contributor affecting sleep quality in adolescents,young adults.
Medications For Chronic Illness To Blame?
In certain cases, medications for chronic illnesses can interfere with sleep, worsening the very issues they aim to treat.
In such situations, Dr Prasad emphasises the importance of having open communication with healthcare providers, as they can explore options like adjusting dosages, switching medications, or recommending lifestyle changes to improve sleep hygiene.
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How To Improve Sleep With Chronic Illness
If you have a chronic condition and struggle with sleep issues, certain lifestyle changes may benefit you. These include:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, which involves going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
- Having a calming bedtime routine, such as reading or light stretching
- Creating a conducive sleep environment – dark, quiet, and cool
- Avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol intake before going to bed
Conclusion
Chronic illness can affect your body in several ways. One of the common consequences is disrupted sleep, which can further worsen your health and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to take mindful steps and follow expert advice to navigate through the challenges. Ensure that you follow a proper bedtime routine and also indulge in eating healthy and wholesome foods while also exercising and practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques.