Stopped breathing while dozing off?!
Question: The other night I was dozing off and woke up with a start to take a deep breath because it seemed unconciously I'd let the air out/breathed out but my body didn't take another breath and my lungs just stayed empty for what seemed like 20 seconds.
There's no throat problems, just after the air is let out, my body seems to be so relaxed that it just doesn't take another breath which is frightening to me. It happened a few times the other night and I'm wondering what could be going on?
Answers: The other night I was dozing off and woke up with a start to take a deep breath because it seemed unconciously I'd let the air out/breathed out but my body didn't take another breath and my lungs just stayed empty for what seemed like 20 seconds.
There's no throat problems, just after the air is let out, my body seems to be so relaxed that it just doesn't take another breath which is frightening to me. It happened a few times the other night and I'm wondering what could be going on?
Sounds like you have sleep apnea. Most people think you have to be overweight to have this, but that's not true. Sleep apnea can can cause elevated blood pressure that over time can cause stroke or heart problems. I am a respiratory therapist and a manager of a sleep diagnostic center. This is a serious problem that should be treated. Signs of sleep apnea are tired all day, frequent headaches, wake up with a dry throat and snore.
Are you fat? Fat people often have this problem.
This sounds like a very common called sleep apnea. You are probably ceasing breathing many more times than you expect. A quick visit to your doctor, and a referrel to a sleep study clinic, will get to the root of the problem, and can be easily remedied. Good luck.
It could be a numerous of things, first off let me tell you to contact your doctor, although we can give you ideas of what it is, no one on here can for sure tell you and help you without seeing you personally or medically as a doctor... Ive sometimes felt this way... I am not over weight by all means this can be a cause but not always the answer... it could be a numerous of things... from heart disease to just your body being its self and relaxing... Please contact your doctor and have this checked, normally they will hook you up ot a monitor at night and watch the heart... or the lungs, good luck, hope the best for you
I used to get this in my sleep at night. It's terrifing, isn't it. I was very overweight at the time and obesity is probably the main contributing factor.
It is called SLEEP APNOEA and could also be related to NARCOLEPSY.
Don't worry, it can be fixed. See your GP or hospital.
EDIT. What jerk(ess) came out of the woodwork to give me a thumbsdown for saying that? Sheesh!
The symptoms you've relayed suggest a condition called: sleep apnea. If you see a Dr., tell him your symptoms, and he may refer you to a specialist who would most likely perform sleep study on you.
Defiantly this is sleep apnea. My mom has this and gets the same exact thing.