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Breathing stops while falling asleep

Posted by sleepless2021 @sleepless2021, Jul 14, 2022

Some nights I experience an irritating sensation in my chest set in as I'm drifting off to sleep, on the other hand most of the time the sensation feels really mild and my breathing just stops. It seems like the mechanism that switches from breathing while awake to involuntarily breathing while asleep fails and I can feel it malfunctioning. Either way it brings me to full alert and at that point, all symptoms vanish. I do have occasional asthma.

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marjou | @marjou | Jul 14, 2022

Have you been checked for sleep apnea?

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 14, 2022

Hi @sleepless2021, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @marjou. What you are describing sounds very similar to what was happening with me before I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Mayo Clinic has more information on the topic here -- Obstructive sleep apnea: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obstructive-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352090.

Before I was diagnosed, I could feel myself snort or gasp for breath and then wake up trying to figure what just happened. I would suggest seeing your doctor and discussing the symptoms with them. They normally try to setup a sleep study test where they can monitor your vitals to see what is happening during the night.

Have you talked to your doctor about your breathing stopping when you are falling asleep?

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sleepless2021 | @sleepless2021 | Jul 14, 2022

Thank you for your responses, yes I have discussed it with my doctor and I have been trying to make arrangements to see a specialist. It's nice knowing that I'm not alone with these type of symptom, it can be really stressful at times.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 14, 2022
In reply to @sleepless2021 "Thank you for your responses, yes I have discussed it with my doctor and I have..." + (show)
@sleepless2021

Thank you for your responses, yes I have discussed it with my doctor and I have been trying to make arrangements to see a specialist. It's nice knowing that I'm not alone with these type of symptom, it can be really stressful at times.

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Just curious, do you primarily sleep on your back? That's when I noticed my issues and snoring. If I try to stay on my sides when sleeping it makes it much better even with my CPAP.

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sleepless2021 | @sleepless2021 | Jul 15, 2022

Lately I've been experiencing the issue in any position however, I sleep on my stomach because any other position causes worse breathing issues while falling asleep. Especially if I fall asleep on my back.

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