Quote:
Originally Posted by kris9999
I've been having sleeping problems for a long time now. I used to be on tranquelizers (spelling?) but haven't in years. I haven't slept 8 solid hours in at least 2 years so needless to say my sleeping habits aren't the best.
Well something, I guess you could say, annoying happened this morning. I was trying to fall back asleep and laying on the couch. The problem is though that every time I start to nod off (when I'm just about to fall asleep) I find myself not breathing at all. I'm not even trying to breath. It's like I'm intentionally holding my breath and it hurts my lungs. This happened 3 times and than after that I would try to breath while I was laying down but it just didn't feel like air was getting into my lungs. The first three times I had to sit up to breath.
I know there is something called "sleep apnea" where you stop breathing while you are sleeping. I read about that in my psychology class. But I didn't know it could happen while you were still awake.
Has this happened to anyone else? I'm just curious. Needless to say I gave up on trying to fall back asleep.
Thanks for any comments!
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My husband has sleep apnea and uses a C-Pap machine to help his breathing and keep it even while he sleeps. His breathing always stopped after he had been asleep for a while and he was not aware it was happening, only feeling tired and not rested when he got up in the morning. I have not heard of sleep apnea described the way you are experiencing this phenomena, although it could still be apnea, it's just that I have not heard of it. I would suggest that you visit a doctor because you should not be having uncomfortable feelings in your chest when you try to sleep, especially since they are waking you up. It could be a serious physical problem or even just a simple physical problem. But definitely see a doctor to rule out a physical illness. If the doctor cannot find the problem, get a second opinion if you wish. Or, even talk to a psychiatrist because it could be a personal issue that is subconsciously keeping you from going to sleep. I do hope you get to the bottom of it because lack of sleep is a real pain and is hard on your health. I wish you the best in finding out the answer to this mystery.
