COPD Month: The Overlap with Sleep Apnea and How Treatment Can Help

 

Each year, COPD Awareness Month draws attention to the millions affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term condition that impairs breathing and limits day-to-day activities. As a leader in sleep therapy, BetterNight encounters many patients whose COPD is complicated by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. When these two conditions overlap, known as “Overlap Syndrome,” the combined effects can be serious—however, appropriate treatment, especially for sleep apnea, can significantly improve overall health for people managing both conditions.

Understanding COPD and Its Respiratory Impact

COPD primarily includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which progressively damage lung function over time. Symptoms, like chronic cough, shortness of breath, and frequent respiratory infections, make even basic activities feel strenuous. Smoking is the most common cause, although genetic predispositions or environmental factors can also play a role.

A key challenge for people with COPD is reduced airflow, as damage to lung tissue and narrowed airways make it difficult to get enough oxygen. This constant struggle for air can lead to fatigue and a heightened risk for heart and lung complications.

The Hidden Burden of Overlap Syndrome

For those who also have OSA, breathing challenges compound further. OSA causes airway blockages during sleep, which momentarily stops breathing, lowering oxygen levels and putting the body under strain. In patients with both COPD and OSA, these drops in oxygen are intensified and can lead to worsened cardiovascular health, increased daytime sleepiness, and decreased resilience to respiratory challenges.

Identifying OSA in people with COPD can be tricky, as daytime fatigue and breathing difficulties can be mistakenly attributed solely to COPD. Yet undiagnosed sleep apnea exacerbates oxygen instability at night, which can accelerate COPD progression and elevate the risk of serious complications. Fortunately, with advances in home sleep tests (HSTs), diagnosing sleep apnea has become simpler and more accessible. HSTs enable patients to complete testing comfortably at home and empower healthcare providers to accurately detect OSA, allowing for more proactive treatment planning.

The Role of CPAP Therapy: A Game-Changer for Overlap Syndrome

For patients diagnosed with both COPD and OSA, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has shown notable benefits. CPAP therapy delivers a steady flow of air to keep the airway open during sleep, preventing the drops in oxygen that can otherwise worsen COPD symptoms.

For people with Overlap Syndrome, CPAP therapy can lead to:

  • More Stable Oxygen Levels: CPAP helps keep oxygen levels steady, relieving the body from frequent, sudden oxygen drops and the stress they place on the cardiovascular system.

  • Reduced Daytime Fatigue: Because CPAP prevents airway blockages during sleep, patients often report feeling more refreshed and alert during the day.

  • Fewer Hospitalizations: Studies show that COPD patients using CPAP are less likely to need hospitalization, as the therapy lowers the risk of respiratory complications associated with oxygen fluctuation.

For many patients with COPD, CPAP therapy not only improves nighttime breathing but also enables better daytime function, helping them regain energy for daily activities.

Taking Control: Enhancing Respiratory Health Through Lifestyle Changes

While CPAP therapy is highly effective, incorporating other lifestyle changes can further support respiratory health. Smoking cessation is paramount for people with COPD, as it slows lung damage and can improve the efficacy of any treatments, including CPAP.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial, as excess weight can strain the lungs and contribute to airway blockages that worsen OSA. Regular, low-impact physical activity, like walking or stretching exercises, can improve lung capacity, enhance blood circulation, and ease some respiratory symptoms. Consistent sleep routines and avoiding alcohol close to bedtime may also help lessen the effects of OSA, making it easier to stick to CPAP therapy for long-term relief.

Better Outcomes Through Combined Treatment

When COPD and OSA overlap, addressing both conditions can make a significant difference in a patient’s quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea adds strain to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, intensifying symptoms and health risks for those with COPD. CPAP therapy not only stabilizes oxygen levels during sleep but also reduces the cumulative stress on the body, which can help slow the progression of COPD.

By managing OSA through CPAP, patients often experience fewer respiratory symptoms, greater energy, and improved capacity for daily activities. For those with COPD, this relief is essential—enhancing sleep quality and easing the burden on the lungs and heart.

At BetterNight, our commitment to effective diagnosis and CPAP treatment aims to help individuals with COPD achieve better respiratory health. With a tailored approach, support for lifestyle adjustments, and ongoing guidance, patients have the tools they need to breathe easier and lead fuller, healthier lives.