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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jeremy Feldman, MD

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Definition
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy and Prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Diagnosing & Monitoring PF
    • Monitoring Progress of IPF
    • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • PF Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
      • Update on Oxygen Use
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation
  • PF Advocacy & News
  • FAQ’s
    • Respiratory failure, NSIP, diet
    • Leg swelling, lung biopsy, side effects & pets
    • FAQ’s Enzyme Therapy, Progression of IPF & Oxygen
    • FAQ: Diarrhea, Fibrosis Reversal, IPF Symptoms
    • FAQ: Oxygen Flow, Anesthesia & Genetics
    • FAQ: Contagious Cough? Stem Cells, Familial IPF, Flying
    • FAQ: GERD, Fatigue & Environmental Exposure
    • FAQ: How to Travel to Your Doctor’s Office with Oxygen
    • FAQ: Lung Biopsy with Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • FAQ’s: Alcohol, Clinical Trials, Pulmonary Function Testing
    • FAQs: Emphysema, Exercise & Lung Biopsy

I Can’t Sleep – Dealing with Insomnia

August 28, 2019 By Dr. Jeremy Feldman

sleep

Difficulty with sleeping is a very common problem.  Hundreds of millions of people around the world struggle with poor sleep quality. The problem is even more common for people with health problems, including lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension.

Insomnia, the technical term for trouble sleeping, can be divided into several categories.  Patients may have trouble falling asleep (initiating sleep), staying asleep (maintaining sleep), or waking up in the early morning and being unable to return to sleep.  Occasional trouble with sleep quality is normal and often due to life stressors or temporary health problems such as a viral respiratory infection that causes nighttime cough.  

Chronic difficulty with sleeping becomes a more serious problem when it leads to daytime symptoms of sleepiness or interferes with your regular daytime activities.  Common daytime symptoms include mental slowness, mood changes (depression or irritability), decreased attention and falling asleep during activities.  If these symptoms are present, you should schedule a visit with your doctor. 

Sleep Hygiene

There are a set of behaviors around preparing for sleep and sleeping that collectively are called sleep hygiene.  The first line treatment for chronic insomnia is to make sure that you are creating an environment that promotes healthy sleep.    

  1. Have a consistent bedtime.
  2. Your bedroom should be a quiet restful place.
  3. No electronics before bedtime (this includes your smart phone, tablets and television).
  4. If you can’t sleep don’t watch TV.  Go sit in a quiet place and read a not very interesting book or magazine.
  5. Wake up at the same time each morning.
  6. Allow 8-9 hours of sleep time.
  7. Use a sleep mask and ear plugs if you are sensitive to light or noise.
  8. White noise can help mask sounds and help you relax.
  9. No eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.
  10. If pain keeps you up, try acetaminophen at bedtime.
  11. Absolutely no napping during the day.
  12. Melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime can be helpful.

Sleeping Pills

Sleeping pills should be avoided.  There is compelling data that sleeping pills increase your risk of falling and injuring yourself.  Many sleeping pills are addictive.  Many sleeping pills increase your risk of mental fogginess during the following morning.  Older patients in particular are at risk for severe side effects from sleeping pills.

Filed Under: IPF Tips

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What is IPF?

  • What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
    • Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Causes of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Who Gets Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux (GER) and IPF
    • Interstitial Lung Disease vs. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Is Pulmonary Fibrosis Hereditary?
    • Research, Life Expectancy & Prognosis for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Diagnosing IPF

  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis
    • Chest X-rays Used in IPF
    • CPET used in IPF
    • HRCT Scans Used to Evaluate IPF
    • Lung Biopsy To Diagnose IPF
    • Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS)
    • Six Minute Walk Test To Monitor IPF
    • Stages of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treating IPF

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options
    • Esbriet (pirfenidone) Used to Treat IPF
    • OFEV (nintedanib) Used to Treat IPF
    • Pulmonary Rehab for IPF Patients
    • Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • Oxygen Used to Treat IPF
    • Clinical Trials in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF & Leg Swelling
    • Pulmonary Hypertension and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
    • IPF Exacerbation

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