Abstract

Effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during sleep is stil being investigated. Sleep problems affect as many as 50% of people with COPD. Patients with COPD have an increased risk while asleep that leads to gas exchange abnormalities resulting in significant hypoxemia and related clinical consequences like pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias and possibly death, This review will discuss the physiology of breathing in normal subjects while asleep, followed by sleep related issues specific to COPD patients, and current diagnostic and treatment options. (Tur Toraks Der 2008;9:117-23)