Sleep in Children with Chronic Lung Disease

Abstract

Sleep is a vulnerable period for the respiratory system. Patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) may be at risk for hypoxemia during sleep; they have reduced baseline arterial oxygen pressure that develops with advancing lung disease. Nocturnal hypercapnia may be present in CLD without nocturnal hypoxemia or daytime gas-exchange abnormalities. Increased upper airway resistance, including nasal obstruction, is a risk factor for obstructive sleep apnoea in children with cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Sleep problems are usually underestimated in these patients. Non-invasive ventilation and supplemental oxygen may be helpful in mitigating the adverse effects of nocturnal hypercapnia and hypoxemia. Sleep should be evaluated in children with CLD to improve the care of these patients.