1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Anxiety Disorders

Forgetting to breathe when falling asleep - Apnea or Anxiety

Posted , 2 users are following.

TommyC
TommyC

I have had this issue on and off for the last few months. When I am falling asleep at night, I suddenly realise that I haven't breathed in for a while and I am jolted awake. I then feel as though my brain isn't sending the signal to my muscles to breathe properly. I then spend about an hour trying to distract myself, tricking my body into resuming breathing automatically.

I have had this before when I was younger, but it would happen once and then not happen again for years.

I am 33 now. Last night was one of the worst instances of it. It happened about 3 times in a row as I tried to fall asleep. I got up and played a video game for 30 minutes, which settled it down and I was able to fall asleep, though I woke up this morning completely exhausted, despite having slept for seven hours.

It is terrifying. I don't know whether this is apnea or anxiety related (had GAD for 15 years, treated with an SSRI). I also have asthma, though it is well controlled. I have also recently returned to my job in a developing country (which I was excited to do and for the past week I have felt great about it). This is making we doubt my choice and feel like I should get back to my home country for treatment.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • jan34534
    jan34534 TommyC

    Posted

    I was suggest that you get a sleep test done just to find out if you have sleep apnea. Anxiety could play a role in this also. One step at a time. you could also get some counseling for the anxiety. Take care

    • TommyC
      TommyC jan34534

      Posted

      Thanks Jan. I will get into the doctor this week and try to get a referral for a reliable sleep clinic nearby. All the best.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.