[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!

[VickiesPath]

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!

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.

[kris9999]

Thanks for your comment. It doesn't worry me, it just annoys the heck out of me. I was so tired but couldn't sleep and it made me mad. I'm not too worried because I have 3 doctors appointments next week so I'll bring it up with them, but one of my appointments is to get an echocardiogram (ultrasound on my heart) and many other tests in my chest because of my frequent chest pain, so if something is going on than we'll know but I'm sure it's nothing serious. Thanks for your comment again! I hope all is well with you! Take care

[velvetpurl]

hi, i have the same problem too but i havent slept right for years and years. i cant remember how long its been since i had a real nights sleep.i sleep for 2 hours and up to bathroom , sleep for another 2 hours up again and thats my sleep pattern. not good. i wish i could sleep a whole night .

[velvetpurl]

sleep trouble

[BrokenNBeautiful]

it's interesting that you brought this up cause sometimes I start to fall asleep and feel like I am not breathing. Like I mentioned in my last post, I dreamt recently that I couldn 't breathe, and I dont know if that was a dream or if it was real. Scary.
Hope you found out what it might be.
I am thinking of you.

Billi