Sleep quality in pectus excavatum: direct effects and recommendations

Sleep is not only a resting phase for the human body; it is also an important phase for cell renewal, strengthening the immune system, memory consolidation, and psychological balance. However, pectus excavatum deformities, especially pectus excavatum, can directly impact sleep quality because the deformity of the rib cage impairs the position of vital organs such as the lungs and heart. Many patients often experience these effects as daytime fatigue, morning headaches, restless sleep, or frequent awakenings.

Effects on sleep quality

• Breathing difficulties: The collapsing rib cage prevents the lungs from fully expanding. This pressure increases when sleeping on your back, making deep breathing difficult.

• Restless sleep and awakenings: Irregular breathing leads to frequent awakenings during the night. This can result in incomplete sleep and a tired awakening in the morning.

• Side effects: In the long term, poor sleep can lead to problems such as immune deficiency, poor concentration, and mood swings.

Treatment and recovery

The negative effects of a funnel chest deformity on sleep can be significantly reduced with the right treatment methods.

• Vacuum bell therapy: This improves lung expansion by correcting the chest position. There are cases where patients report an improvement in their sleep quality within a few weeks of starting treatment.

• Dynamic orthotic treatment: Especially in patients with funnel chest, the dynamic vacuum can be used during sleep to bring chest into the optimal position and breathing during sleep is facilitated.

• Surgical solutions: After a Nuss procedure, lung capacity can be increased by up to 20–40%. This also has a positive effect on sleep patterns.

Practical advice

• Sleeping position: Sleeping on your side can increase lung capacity, especially on the left side. Back sleepers can increase pressure on the chest.

• Pillow selection: Medium-firm pillows are recommended, as they support the neck and back and keep the spine in a neutral position.

• Breathing exercises: 5–10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing exercises daily increase relaxation and oxygen supply before bedtime.

• Sleep routine: Avoiding screens for an hour before bedtime, light stretching exercises, and meditation make it easier to fall asleep.

Pectus excavatum is not just an aesthetic or physical problem; it also has a direct impact on sleep quality. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, most patients can sleep more deeply, undisturbed, and restfully.