scary!!!

Has anyone ever had the sensation of feeling like you stop breathing just before you drift off to sleep? I did that 3 times last night. I have done it a few times in the past and it is really scary.

I have for years now have this problem when I am about to doze off I jump up and am trying to catch my breath with tingling in my chest. Sometimes I literally jump out of bed and pace the floor since it causes alot of panic. I don't have this problem all the time, just comes and goes for a week and then goes away. I don't believe it is sleep apnea, since I sleep fine once I fall asleep. I attribute my problem to panic disorder and I guess I simply panic when I am falling asleep since you lose control when you doze off. 

I would recommend that you have someone watch you sleep and see if you stop breathing in your sleep. This is sleep apnea. The problem you have described to me is more like an anxiety issue that gives you problems when you try to fall asleep. I have had my wife watch me several times sleep and I never stop breathing. I just get a sensation that I quit breathing when I am dozing off. What I am really doing is hyperventalating as I fall asleep and I am quickly awaken with trying to catch my breath. I also don't really get tired during the day either unless I eat a large lunch with no breakfast. If you can get a sleep test done. I opted not to just because taking anxiety meds have vastly reduced the instances when I hyperventalate when I fall asleep.

I really don't think that I have sleep apnea. I sleep great once I fall asleep and I usually don't feel tired during the day. I think it is just a part of this stupid A/P that we are all dealing with.   I wish you a all a stress free and blessed Christmas.

    Rhonda