Could a simple bed adjustment improve sleep for COPD patients?

NCT ID NCT04963205

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Lowie Vanfleteren Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether sleeping with the head and trunk raised (using an adjustable bed backrest) improves sleep quality in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Twenty-four adults with severe COPD and sleep difficulties each tried the raised position and their usual flat position for four weeks each. The goal was to see if the raised position leads to better sleep, less daytime fatigue, and improved breathing during the night.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: adjustable bed backrest
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way for people with COPD to sleep better at home.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 24 participants. The results may not apply to everyone with COPD, and the effect on sleep might be small.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, severe early onset sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COPD SLEEP

Contacts and locations

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Locations

COPD-center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Gothenburg, VGR, 41345, Sweden

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