Breathing problems during sleep

[Soviet 89]

My second thread where I'm probably going to come across as a bit of a moaner, but I'm really not! Haha, so here goes. Is it normal to have breathing problems during sleep or just before falling asleep? I've had sleeping problems my whole life! From sleep paralysis, insomnia and night terrors, but this one is different. It started when I was about 13-14, I'd be falling asleep, and then suddenly be gasping for air, I assumed I was holding my breath for whatever reason, so I went to my GP. He told me it was caused by stress and once I knew that, it vanished! About 7 years later and it is happening almost every night now. The worst case I've ever had in my life happened just a week ago. I was lying on my back, drifting off to sleep, I fell asleep but only for a few minutes. In my dream I was suffocating! I woke up and I could not breathe at all, my vision was completely covered in what looked like static, or white orbs, the kind we've all probably seen in a temper! My heart was racing and I honestly thought for a short moment I was dying. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms?

[nina]

Don't take this the wrong way, but are you overweight? Diabetic? Are you particularly stressed out more recently? Are you familiar with Sleep Apnea? I don't know a whole lot about Sleep Apnea, but just from what you have said, it sounds like a viable explanation. It could also be panic attacks, which commonly occur during the night...as your GP said, brought about by stress. I would definitely suggest seeing the doctor again or even a sleep specialist if the problem persists.

[Soviet 89]

Don't take this the wrong way, but are you overweight? Diabetic? Are you particularly stressed out more recently? Hahaha! It's fine! But no, I'm not overweight at all at least I don't think. I'm 6 and a half stone and am 5'5 tall. I'm not diabetic either, I recently had blood tests, but now that you mention it I have suffered from anxiety in the past. Maybe I'm stressed out but it's in my subconscious or something, I don't know. I'll definitely take that on board and see a doctor if it happens again, it was a really horrible experience!

[lucidreamsavy]

I get this sometimes, though I don't think for me it's caused by stress. I just think about my breathing, therefore breathe hard, and I will occasionally gasp for breathe when I was just about to fall asleep, for me, it can't be sleep apnea, because it only happens like a couple times a month. I am a mouth breather too. I just had this last night, and I looked in this section to find a thread like this! Here it is!

[Bizarre Jester]

it could be the air quality in the room is not so good, like if you let it dust up without cleaning it, or if you live in a polluted city. Maybe get an air filter.

[jeniffer]

Hello Friends...... Tips to prevent breathing problems during sleep 1.Stop using alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives, or anything that relaxes the muscles of the throat and encourages snoring. 2.Sleep on your side. 3.Elevate the head of your bed 4 -6 inches 4.Maintain regular sleep hours 5.Use a nasal dilator, breathe right strips or saline nasal spray to help open nasal passages. Thanks

[hgld1234]

See a doctor. You may have a problem.

[johnmarshel]

My second thread where I'm probably going to come across as a bit of a moaner, but I'm really not! Haha, so here goes. Is it normal to have breathing problems during sleep or just before falling asleep? I've had sleeping problems my whole life! From sleep paralysis, insomnia and night terrors, but this one is different. It started when I was about 13-14, I'd be falling asleep, and then suddenly be gasping for air, I assumed I was holding my breath for whatever reason, so I went to my GP. He told me it was caused by stress and once I knew that, it vanished! About 7 years later and it is happening almost every night now. The worst case I've ever had in my life happened just a week ago. I was lying on my back, drifting off to sleep, I fell asleep but only for a few minutes. In my dream I was suffocating! I woke up and I could not breathe at all, my vision was completely covered in what looked like static, or white orbs, the kind we've all probably seen in a temper! My heart was racing and I honestly thought for a short moment I was dying. Has anyone else experienced similar symptoms? Here what ever you tell you go to meet the doctor and take a proper advice and get a proper treatment,I think you free from stress,avoid so much of work,and don't take a alcohol,and take a free time for your self,sleep one side,this will help you, I think at night you walk half an hour,and take a deep breath,this will help you.