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What Causes Shortness Of Breath While Sleeping?

Posted on Wed, 5 Oct 2016

Question: I was falling asleep last night and all of a sudden I could not get my breath. I sat up quickly and coughed and I was able to get my breath again. Never had that happen before. I have no health problems.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
To rule out obstructive sleep apnea

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.

I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
- what is your height and weight?
-were you laying down on your back or side?
-has anyone told you that you snore?
-do you have any nasal septum defects like a deviated septum that you know of?
-did you have any alcohol or any sleeping medication last night?
-do you smoke?
-did you feel your throat was dry or sore after this episode?
-do you have any daytime Sleepiness or feeling of not having rested properly after you wake in the morning?
-do you have a cold?or a sore throat?

I recommend :
- a physician consult
-a general he thinks check (if not done in the past year)
-a sleep study to rule out sleep apnea.

When the airway gets blocked or the tongue falls back during sleep, It will reduce oxygen intake and the brain forcibly wakes you up to correct the situation.
This is commonly seen in heavy snorers, overweight or obese people, those with structural abnormalities of the respiratory tract (deviated nasal septum, large tongue, too much soft tissue in neck) and in those who have taken alcohol or sedatives

Please get back to me with the above requested clarifications and any other information you think is relevant.
I'd be happy to help with any further queries you may have.

Hope this helps.
Wish you good health
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (53 minutes later)

I am 5'5" and weigh 134 . I take melatonin before I go to sleep. I sleep on my side usually, but do turn over on my back during the night. I don't drink or smoke. Nothing wrong with my nose. I do snore. Sometimes I get sleepy later in the day, but otherwise I feel good.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please do sleep study

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up and clarifications.

I suggest you go ahead with the sleep study just to make sure. When in light sleep, we realize what is happening or remember it.

When in deep sleep, we may not remember waking briefly in the night if the sleep apnea occurs.

Hope I've helped.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj