Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — A new study shows that poor quality and quantity of sleep may increase the risk of developing asthma.
Previous research had suggested that asthma could most likely cause sleep problems, but the researchers wanted to see if the association held true for how sleep affects the risk of developing asthma, according to a study published Monday in BMJ Open Respiratory Research.
“We have long known that there is some link between asthma and sleep, but the majority of the work that has been done has been done with obstructive sleep apnea,” said Dr. the sleeper.”
To find out, the researchers looked at data from a cohort of more than 450,000 people registered with the UK Biobank, between 2006 and 2010, a large biomedical database and long-term population-tracking research resource. And it was stated in the report that the people who were studied ranged in age from 38 to 73 years.
In a 10-year follow-up, nearly 18,000 people were diagnosed with asthma, according to the study. Analysis of the data showed that people with a genetic predisposition and poor sleep habits were twice as likely to develop asthma as people in a low-risk group.
Having a genetic predisposition increases the risk of developing asthma by between 25 and 30 percent, said Dr. Juanita Mora, a Chicago-based allergist/immunologist and spokeswoman for the American Lung Association, who was not involved in the research.
The study showed that healthy sleep patterns are associated with a lower risk of developing asthma, even if there is a genetic predisposition.
The researchers added that people with high-risk genes and good sleep patterns are less likely to develop asthma than those with low genetic risks and poor sleep patterns.
The study authors found that by monitoring and treating sleep conditions, health professionals may reduce the progression of asthma. The study showed that if sleep attributes were improved, 19% of asthma cases could be reduced.
Mora added that this finding is also indicative of the growing need for doctors and nurses to talk to their patients with asthma about their sleep habits, to see if their behavior is exacerbating symptoms.
Good sleep is good for everyone
In order to understand this study, Assaad said, the interaction between genetics and behavior must be understood.
She added that the researchers looked at all the small changes in DNA that could increase someone’s risk of developing asthma. He called these markers and risks in genetics what is known as a person’s polygenic risk score.
Asaad explained that the majority of people do not know their genetic scores regarding their susceptibility to asthma, and instead are aware only of the severity of their symptoms.
Mora indicated that what people can do is track the triggers and those that exacerbate their condition, and sleep seems to be one of them, in order to maximize the control of their asthma.
She added that the results confirm the importance of good sleep for everyone, whatever genetic factors for asthma they carry.
The study stated that asthma is generally considered a chronic inflammatory disease. Previous research has shown that problems with sleep duration and insomnia are linked to chronic inflammation.
The study also indicated that sleep disturbances are also associated with chronic activation of the stress response, parts of which are essential to the development of asthma.
Good sleeping habits
And the US Centers for Disease Control and Control pointed out that adults need seven hours of sleep each night, at a minimum.
According to the agency, this is not fulfilled by many people, as 1 in 3 Americans suffer from a lack of sleep.
But you should not focus on the number of hours only, because the quality of sleep is also important.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Control reports that “signs of poor sleep quality include not feeling rested even after getting enough sleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disturbances (such as snoring or gasping for air).”
The agency recommended going to bed and getting up at the same time, keeping the bedroom comfortable and dark, and avoiding electronic devices before bed.
You should also avoid consuming large meals, caffeine, and alcohol too close to bedtime, and being active during the day for better sleep.