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Gasping for air?

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Posted 6/29/2012 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am just wondering because I have had it happen afew times

As I am dozing off I get a quick fright where i feel like I have stopped breathing and I find myself gasping for air

Anyone else get this ?
Posted 6/29/2012 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
This can definitely be from anxiety...I used to experience this everytime I would try to drift off to sleep!

However, just to be on the safe side, please consider consulting your doctor to rule out sleep apnea, which is a fairly commonn but serious sleep/breathing disorder.

If all checks out and it turns out to anxiety related, then I would recommend praticing breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises, especially before bedtime. You may also want to ask your doctor about possibly taking a natural sleep aid such as Gaba or Melatonin. These things could help in relaxing you before sleep, and reduce the anxiety breathing issues.

I hope that you can get the answers that you need for this soon, and start to feel better and get some good rest.:)

Talk to you soon,

S.C.
Posted 6/30/2012 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Absolutely this can be caused by anxiety!! I have had this happen on several occasions and the one night I woke up and went immediately to the ER because I was gasping for air and literally felt like I couldn't breath. That was probably one of the most scary moments I've ever experienced especially since I was sound asleep and woke up with it happening. Anxiety can do the most bizarre things to our bodies and minds. My therapist keeps telling me that every time something like that happens though and we make it through, that's another milestone and another step towards getting better. Take care :-)
Posted 6/30/2012 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
When I first got fibromyalgia I would catch myself doing that, though I didn't feel at a loss for air, it would just happen.

Hugs, Karen

I think it had something to do with costochrondritis which goes with fibromyalgia. Has something to do with chest muscles and chest walls. I hope that you feel better soon.
Posted 6/30/2012 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
What scaredy cat said. This very well could be anxiety or panic (I've had that happen many, many times when falling asleep). But it is also a symptom of sleep apnea.

Do you snore much? You could try having someone observe you while sleeping, although the safest bet is to talk to a professional to see if you should be actually tested. Good luck.
Posted 7/2/2012 6:58 PM (GMT 0)
I used to feel like my heart was skipping a beat right as I was falling asleep and would jolt awake in a panic. I know it isn't exactly the same, but panic can cause all kinds of unpleasant sensations.
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