There’s no doubt that millions of people around the globe experience sleeping difficulties from time to time. Namely, one-third of the adult population reports having insomnia symptoms, i.e. they have trouble falling and/or staying asleep. Unfortunately, many reach for over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids without being aware of their side effects, especially if they already suffer from other medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
If you have been diagnosed with COPD and struggle with sleep, continue reading below to learn about the harmful side effects over-the-counter sleep medications can have on COPD patients.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as the name itself suggests, is a chronic lung disease that progresses over time. It is actually a term used for a group of lung conditions like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, etc. that cause airflow limitation and breathing issues.
The main cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritants like smoke, fumes, chemicals, or dust. And, common COPD symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, and wheezing, especially when laid down which leads to having trouble sleeping.
The Negative Effects of OTC Sleep Aids for COPD Patients
According to researchers, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for treating sleep and mood symptoms is still being widely used despite its potential life-threatening side effects. Namely, studies have shown that benzodiazepines, a class of meds prescribed to COPD patients to relieve insomnia, anxiety, depression, and shortness of breath, have many adverse outcomes.
Experts claim that due to the possible respiratory and proven neurocognitive side effects such as reduced alertness, memory loss, increased risk of accidents, etc. benzodiazepine shouldn’t be used in treating COPD symptoms. In short, they consider the frequent use of this class of drugs in COPD as very concerning.
In addition, a study conducted between 2004 and 2009 on over 100,000 adults aged 66+ with COPD focused on learning the number of benzodiazepines prescribed and the severity of COPD while using the drug. This study found that the use of benzodiazepines is widely spread with over a third of the adults taking the medication.
Furthermore, the same study found that the use of benzodiazepines was 40% more common among patients who had severe COPD. Plus, the same group had the highest number of repeat prescriptions, as well as early refills. Put shortly, doctors prescribed benzodiazepines while patients were having flare-ups, i.e. worsening of the condition.
Taking the results into account, the researchers concluded that the new findings are pretty concerning as those who are at the highest risk due to their condition of COPD are also at the highest risk of being affected by the negative side effects of benzodiazepines. Instead of relieving symptoms, this medication might be harming the already vulnerable respiratory system of these patients.
Final Thoughts
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious condition that worsens over time. Due to its breathing difficulties, COPD typically causes trouble sleeping which is why sleep aids are commonly prescribed to these patients.
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to help patients sleep better. However, even though they can improve sleep, new research has found that this medication can also affect breathing ability and oxygen levels during sleep.
Therefore, COPD patients should stay away from this medication class and try other sleep aids, therapies, or strategies to improve their sleep without worsening their condition.