How Asthma Affects Sleep Quality | Family Allergy & Asthma

Waking up coughing or short of breath? You’re not alone. Nearly 75% of people with asthma experience nighttime symptoms at least once per week, making restful sleep a challenge. This guide breaks down how asthma affects sleep, common nighttime triggers, and proven asthma treatments that can help you (or a loved one) breathe—and sleep—easier.

Why does asthma get worse at night?

Asthma symptoms often flare during sleep due to a combination of factors. When the body lies flat, it becomes harder for the lungs to expand fully. Plus, at night, the body’s production of cortisol (a natural anti-inflammatory hormone) decreases, which can lead to increased airway inflammation. Add environmental asthma triggers to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a nighttime asthma episode.

Common nighttime asthma triggers include:

Dust mites in pillows and mattresses
Pet dander on bedding
Cooler air and bedroom drafts
Postnasal drip or acid reflux during sleep
Poorly controlled asthma overall

These factors can all cause airways to narrow, leading to wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath—making restful sleep difficult.

What are the signs that asthma is affecting sleep?

Recognizing the signs of nighttime asthma is the first step toward better management. Asthma-related sleep issues don’t always manifest as a full-blown asthma attack. Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle or mistaken for other sleep conditions.

Common warning signs include:

Frequent coughing or wheezing at night
Waking up short of breath or needing an inhaler
Feeling unusually tired during the day
Snoring or restlessness during sleep
Trouble falling or staying asleep

Children with asthma may also display behavioral changes, such as increased irritability or difficulty concentrating in school due to lack of sleep.

How does poor sleep affect asthma control?

Lack of quality sleep can weaken the immune system, increase stress hormones and cause inflammation—all of which can make asthma symptoms worse.

Over time, poor sleep can lead to increased asthma flare-ups, reduced lung function during the day, more frequent use of rescue inhalers and/or lower quality of life due to fatigue and irritability.

If asthma affects sleep more than twice a week, it may be time to reassess your asthma action plan with an asthma specialist or board-certified allergist.

Tips to Improve Sleep with Asthma

Improving nighttime asthma starts with better symptom management and a few lifestyle adjustments. These tips can help reduce symptoms and support restful sleep:

Keep your bedroom allergen-free.

Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, wash bedding weekly in hot water, and keep pets out of the bedroom. A HEPA air purifier and low humidity levels can also help reduce dust, dander, and mold exposure overnight.

Stick to your daytime asthma treatments.

Stick to your prescribed asthma treatments, even when symptoms are mild. Monitor lung function with a peak flow meter, avoid common triggers, and talk to your provider if you frequently use your rescue inhaler.

Build a sleep-friendly bedtime routine.

Avoid large meals and caffeine before bed. Elevate your head if you experience postnasal drip or reflux, and take controller medications in the evening if advised. A calming routine—like reading or deep breathing—can also help.

Track symptoms with a sleep and asthma journal.

Keep a simple log of nighttime symptoms, inhaler use and sleep quality. Bring it to appointments to help your allergist identify patterns and adjust your treatment plan if needed.

When should I see an asthma specialist?

If sleep is consistently interrupted by asthma symptoms, or if over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping, it’s time to consult a board-certified allergy and asthma specialist. These doctors can perform allergy and asthma testing, assess your asthma control and offer personalized treatment recommendations. For some patients, options like biologic therapy or immunotherapy may be recommended to reduce inflammation long-term.

Rest easy with support from our trusted allergists!

You can sleep soundly knowing there’s a board-certified allergist near you! With reliable, board-certified specialists at local allergy and asthma offices, Family Allergy & Asthma is ready to support you. Schedule an appointment today to explore customized treatment options that help you breathe easier—without saying goodbye to your best friend.

About Family Allergy & Asthma

Founded in 1979, Family Allergy & Asthma’s practice network of allergy and asthma specialists provides high-quality, reliable and lasting allergy relief throughout Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and includes affiliates Allergy & Asthma Specialists (AAS), Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida (AAAF) and Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic (AAAC). For more information, visit www.familyallergy.com, and follow Family Allergy & Asthma on Facebook, Instagram and X.