The Importance of Good Sleep for Chronic Disease Patients During COVID-19

As many as 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. Insufficient and inadequate quality sleep becomes an even more significant concern when the issue relates to chronic disease patients and their disease management.

Poor sleep is a frequent occurrence in chronically ill patients. Many factors can affect the quality of sleep, including pain and physical discomfort produced by symptom illness, medications, and stress.

Why is A Good Night’s Sleep So Important for Chronic Disease Patients?

Good sleep for chronic disease patients should not be optional, it should be mandatory.  In a study from 2001, a sample of chronically ill patients from Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles with varying conditions including asthma and arthritis showed that chronically ill patients who had mild, moderate, or severe sleep problems also experienced a reduction in health-related quality of life.

The research concluded that sleep problems have a direct association with poorer mental health, diminished work productivity, and quality, as well as greater use of health care services.

Patients with underlying chronic diseases have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This, coupled with the self-isolation and the added stress contributes to more patients suffering from sleep problems.

Finding ways to improve sleep quantity and quality is imperative to achieve disease management goals and improved quality of life.

Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep

Enjoying good sleep for chronic disease patience is ultimately vital especially during the stressful days of COVID-19.  Simple changes in daily routine can lead to better sleep. Here are a few suggestions to help patients achieve a good night’s rest.

Limit Alcohol

Many people enjoy having a nightcap because of its sedative effect. However, alcohol is contraindicated for many patients as it can trigger symptom flareups and disrupt sleep patterns.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and stress levels, which are known factors of poor-quality sleep.

Although exercise provides many benefits, patients should refrain from exercising for at least three hours before bedtime.

Exercising releases endorphins, which help lower stress levels; however, they also serve to enhance alertness, which prevents patients from falling asleep.

Bedtime Routine

Anyone struggling to sleep should avoid caffeinated drinks before going to bed.

It’s also important to wind down. Dedicating the last hour of the day to relaxing activities such as reading or listening to soothing music can help patients calm down and sleep better.

Hydrating before bedtime is essential. A well-hydrated body prevents muscle cramps and dry mouth, which contribute to poor sleep quality.

Patients who suffer from light sensitivity can greatly benefit from using a sleep mask. Aside from minimizing light disruptions, sleep masks apply a gentle pressure that can help the body relax.

Limit the Use of Technology at Night

Avoid watching TV and using electronics like cell phones and tablets at least one hour before sleep to improve sleep quality. Electronic devices emit blue light, that can interrupt the circadian rhythm.

 

If you would like to read more tips we recommend that you check out the 101 Sleep Tips by Slumberyard.  If you want to purchase a new mattress, visit Slumberyard to get real reviews, brand comparisons, special deals or Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep.

Chronically ill patients who are experiencing increased feelings of anxiety and stress should speak to their doctors about incorporating relaxation techniques and other therapies into their daily disease management program.

Patients shouldn’t take supplements or make changes to their diets or physical activity routines without speaking to their physician first.

At Altus Infusion, we continue to work with private specialty practices to ensure treatment continuation for chronically ill patients who rely on biologic treatments to help manage their disease.

We remain committed to improving the lives of patients across the country and making biologic treatments more accessible and cost-effective.

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Altus Infusion offers quality biologic management therapy solutions.  We are committed to improving access, quality, and affordability of care for all patients.  Interested in a full-service biologic therapy solution?  Contact us for information on how we can help you upgrade your patient experience today:  sales@altusbiologics.com.

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Disclaimer:  The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Any content regarding symptoms and possible treatment of illnesses is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Altus Infusion does not in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information published in its blog and will not be held responsible for the content of any blog publication.

You should always consult your primary care physician for specific medical advice.