Researchers from National Jewish Health have illuminated the adverse effects of underlying mood and sleep disorders on asthma control. Data unveiled a significant interplay between insomnia, depression, and obstructive sleep apnea in individuals managing asthma. Recently published in the Journal of Asthma, this study sheds crucial light on the intricate relationship between these conditions.
Dr. Michael Wechsler, a pulmonologist, Professor of Medicine, and Director of The Cohen Family Asthma Institute at National Jewish Health, and the paper’s senior author, emphasized the importance of collectively considering asthma control, sleep quality, and mood. He highlighted the strong correlation among these factors, stating that individuals with asthma should undergo regular screening for both sleep quality and co-existing mood disorders.
In their investigation, researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 659 adult patients participating in a long-term study at National Jewish Health. The evaluation of asthma patients encompassed factors such as concurrent obstructive sleep disorder, mood disorders, frequency of asthma exacerbations, and asthma control test scores (ACT). The findings underscored a notable increase in mood disorders among asthma patients experiencing insomnia compared to those without sleep disturbances.
The association between poor sleep quality and asthma, especially in those with inadequate asthma control, is well-established. Moreover, insomnia frequently overlaps with depression. While previous research has explored the link between sleep issues and asthma management, the interaction between these conditions and mood disorders has not been extensively examined.
Upon scrutinizing the data, researchers observed that individuals with insomnia were more likely to receive concurrent diagnoses of obstructive sleep apnea, depression, or anxiety compared to those without sleep disturbances. Moreover, among patients with insomnia, there was a higher average frequency of asthma exacerbations per year compared to those without insomnia.
Dr. Wechsler underscored the importance of addressing asthma comorbidities, such as sleep and mood disorders, akin to other conditions impacting asthma management, including reflux, sinus disease, and vocal cord dysfunction.
Further research is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the intricate interactions between asthma, sleep, and depression. Such understanding may pave the way for developing guidelines for screening and managing sleep and mental health disorders in individuals with asthma.
More information: Sarah L. Rhoads et al, The impact of insomnia and depression on asthma control, Journal of Asthma. DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2335367
Journal information: Journal of Asthma Provided by National Jewish Health
