Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a an obstructive disease of the lungs. The lung tissue has been so destroyed, that it's difficult for it to exchange gas, leading to a decreased oxygen level and difficulty breathing. It can be extremely difficult to breathe at night, partly due to the fact that the lungs are laying flat on the back of the chest wall making it more difficult to breathe. This can lead to nighttime wheezing and sleep disturbances. Here are some tips for improving sleep with COPD. 

Asthma and COPD are both obstructive diseases that make it difficult for lungs to completely get rid of all the air in them. Asthma is more common in younger patients and is reversible through treatment with drugs like albuterol and terbutaline. COPD is not reversible and is more evident in older patients, especially those with a history of smoking. It's important to know the difference between these two diseases, as well as the impact they can have on your sleep. Continue reading to find out more about sleep problems in these individuals.