Waking up every 2-3 hours
I wake up after 2-3 hours. Coughing up phlegm etc. Takes a good hour or more to feel comfortable enough to lay back down. It's becoming a curse to lay down but gets tiring staying up. Got to sleep of course. But the unknown of what waking up is going to be like is scary. Anyone else facing this daily ritual?
Hi warenf, and thanks for your post. I am hopeful others in the community will chime in here and share their own personal experiences with COPD as regards sleeping and excessive mucus production.
I can tell you that many patients I have taken care of prefer to spend their nights in a recliner or with their head significantly elevated in their beds. They tell me it is easier for their breathing and, by sitting up, the mucus seems to be better controlled and it's easier to cough it up while their upper torso is elevated. Do you think this might be of help in your situation?
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi
! I just wanted to stop by and see how you're doing today. I'm also hoping that someone might join in and give their perspective. Wishing you a peaceful evening. - John M. (COPD.net Team)
Hi again, Beverly - it's always good to see your posts here. I am sorry for all you are going through - my heart goes out to you.
I did want to clarify something for you that you mentioned above. A barium swallow is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates the digestive tract/gastrointestinal area. Generally speaking, the patient drinks a liquid with barium. This enables the GI tract to be visualized on xray/fluoroscopy, which can then by evaluated by the physician. Naturally, you may want to have your own physician explain more about the test should you wind up having it performed.
Please do check back and let us know how this all turns out for you.
Good luck!
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I hear you about laying down and having to cough and cough. I wonder if you have tried a WEDGE pillow. It helps you to stay elevated. I have found that I am now able to sleep in my bed again. I am on my second one in 5 years now and I love it. Barbara Moore (site moderator)
I have the same issue from time to time. For me I found its less taxing on my body to "Huff" cough or Huffing its called. Just straight coughing is alot of energy and usually only clears the throat. The huffing is a few deep breaths and blow out slowly. On the last one keep blowing slowly until you cannot anymore without coughing, and now "Huff" (pull and blow deep in your chest) to clear the phelgem. The sound is you make is just like the word sounds. Please check with your Doctor or medical team for your specific needs. I wish you well and some good sleep.
Jeff (Team COPD.net)Do you have a link to explain that "Huff" breathing technique? Don't quite get it from your description. hello again,I have included a link from one of my colleagues that does a better job at explaining the "Huff" techniques. *A little tip for you to use is clicking on the little magnify glass 🔍and entering what you are looking for on our site, but you are always welcome to ask for help.
Hope this helps and please let us know how you made out. Hope you have a wonderful day. Jeff (Team COPD.net)
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Hi, I also have a hard time sleeping more than a few hours at a time. It this normal for all late stage COPD patients? I wear oxygen and a non invasive ventilator at night and the ventilator is bothersome but this started before the ventilator and welll after the 02
Hi Tracy, and thanks for your post. As you may be aware, difficulty sleeping can be associated with this condition. Since COPD affects everyone differently, this issue may affect some patients but not necessarily all patients.
Since you mentioned that you were affected by this early on (before the use of the ventilator but, after using the supplemental oxygen therapy), have you had an opportunity to discuss this with your physician? I would be curious to hear what the doctor's opinion is on your very real concern.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
