I have Stage 4 very severe COPD. I have been taking 20 mg pred for over a year now. I have gained about 25 pounds in the last decade, from size 6 to size 10 or 12. Doesn't sound like a lot but it is. Cleaned my closet for sure. I have no trouble sleeping but my caregiver has said that is due to the severity of my condition. Also, I have a shoebox of medications and supplements. I haven't had any severe exacerbations and for that I am very grateful.

I take 5.mg daily, have no problems with sleeping, but If I take a higher dose for some reason, I can't sleep, I hate taking that. but on 5 mg I have no problem gaining weight, but I am not a big eater. And Now that my Husband passed from covid nov 2020, I don't usually cook a lot. I don't have a lot of energy and I take naps daily, Oh I am 83 in may. I do have a couple of hobbys that keep me going and a pup I need to take care of

Gives me very thin skin to wear I cut and bruise very easy. But other then that it doesn’t bother me.

Anything less than 10mgs is usually considered a "low dose" of steroids taken daily or occasionally, every other day. Most people I know on low dose are taking 5 mgs or even 2mgs daily or every other day and have minimal side effects. Even then, most of us try to avoid them if at all possible.

I use Pred. when I have a flair up. I start out with 10 mg.4 tabs a day,for 3 days, then3 tabs for 3 days ,2 tabs for 3 days then 1 tab for 3 days thats what my M.D has me on. No side problems.