Living with cystic fibrosis is already a significant challenge for the lungs. New data shows that many of these patients also face another hurdle: obstructive sleep apnea (OSAHS). This is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. The study found that about 48% of people with cystic fibrosis have this sleep disorder.
For those who do have sleep apnea, the impact on their health is measurable. These patients showed lower oxygen levels and worse lung function compared to those without the condition. They also had higher arousal indices, meaning they woke up more frequently during the night. While the data shows a high amount of variation in how often this occurs across different groups, the link between sleep apnea and poorer breathing remains clear.
Because of these findings, experts suggest that doctors should screen for sleep issues earlier. By using sleep tests sooner, medical teams can step in with treatments to help patients breathe better at night. If you or a loved one has cystic fibrosis, talk to your doctor about whether a sleep study is right for you.
