Sleep is very important for health.

If you are not getting enough sleep, it can significantly impact your daily routine. It is important to talk with your CF team if you begin experiencing difficulty sleeping. Your care team work with you to come up with strategies to improve your sleep situation.

40% of people with CF report poor sleep quality. There is also evidence that when you have a flareup of your lung, your sleep may get worse. Your oxygen levels may get worse during an exacerbation and this is most noticeable during sleep. Cough and medications may be a factor. Research studies are being done to learn more about CF and sleep quality.

Sleep can be examined using studies. If you have any questions about CF and sleep or to learn more, please be sure to ask your doctor or CF team member.

During sleep, people slow down their breathing. People who have low oxygen levels while awake will usually also have low oxygen levels during sleep. In some cases, patients who may not require oxygen while awake may need extra oxygen while sleeping. Your healthcare provider will determine how much oxygen you should use at night.

Improve Your Sleep

If you are having difficulty sleeping, consider the following tips. Remember to speak with your care team about your sleep situation so they can assess if further testing is required.

  • Try to get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Similarly, try to set a bedtime around when you feel tired. This should also be around the same time every night.
  • Exercise vigorously during the day; avoid exercise at night.
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages 8 or more hours before your bedtime. Caffeine lasts in your system for a long time.
  • In most people we suggest avoiding naps because they can throw off the bedtime routine.

  • Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and at a comfortable temperature. Reserve the bedroom exclusively for sleep and remove all distractions.
  • Relax and unwind. Avoid work or stimulating activities.
  • Try some light stretching exercises or yoga.
  • Try taking a warm bath.
  • Try deep breathing or meditation.
  • Avoid heavy alcohol use or heavy use of sedatives.
  • Avoid heavy meals.
  • Avoid smoking.

  • Try to keep a regular bedtime, even on weekends.
  • If you are having difficulty falling asleep for more than 15 -30 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing or distracting. If you get up, keep the lights dim. Try to go back to bed 10-15 minutes later. If you wake up again during the night, the same rules apply.
  • Do not stare at the clock. Set the alarm and turn it around so you cannot see the time.