Understanding Nighttime Worsening of Asthma

Prevalence of Nighttime Symptoms

For individuals with asthma, nighttime can often exacerbate breathing difficulties. Research indicates that approximately 75% of asthma patients report experiencing heightened symptoms during the night.

Research Insights

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University explored this phenomenon. The study aimed to identify the scientific reasons behind the worsening of asthma symptoms at night while controlling for various factors such as sleeping position, environmental conditions, and physical health.

Study Design and Findings

The study involved 17 asthma patients who utilized inhalers as needed. Professor Shea from the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences observed that individuals with more severe asthma experienced significant drops in pulmonary function at night, often influenced by their sleeping behaviors.

The results revealed that nighttime inhaler use is up to four times more frequent than during the day. Furthermore, the study linked nighttime asthma worseness to the individuals’ circadian system, which encompasses the natural behavioral, mental, and physical changes occurring over a 24-hour cycle.

Circadian Rhythm and Asthma

These findings suggest that the increased severity of asthma symptoms at night is a natural occurrence tied to the circadian rhythm. Additionally, it was discovered that airway resistance increases during sleep, complicating breathing for asthma patients. Notably, the study found that the peak of breathing difficulties typically occurs around 4:00 AM, often unnoticed by those affected as they sleep.

References

St. Peter, E. (2021, September 6). Study explores why asthma worsens at night. EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/927183
Scheer, F. A. J. L., Hilton, M. F., Evoniuk, H. L., Shiels, S. A., Malhotra, A., Sugarbaker, R., Ayers, R. T., Israel, E., Massaro, A. F., & Shea, S. A. (2021). The endogenous circadian system worsens asthma at night independent of sleep and other daily behavioral or environmental cycles. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(37). https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.2018486118
Circadian Rhythms. (2021, September 9). National Institute of General Medical Sciences. https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx
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