Holding My Breath

I can't seem to keep breathing!
For a few years I have suspected I have some sort of sleep apnea, but my symptoms don't seem typical of it nor do I fit the profile. I am 31, healthy, not at all overwieght, don't smoke, dont' do drugs, and only occasionally drink alcohol.

When sleeping I even wake myself up because I am not breathing. I wake to catch myself holding my breath. I have my tongue pushed firm against the roof of my mouth and pressure in my chest from trying to exhale through my mouth but not able to do it. It has progressed to the point where I catch myself holding my breath very often throughout the day when I am conscious too. Basically whenever I am not on the move I fight to keep from holding my breath. What's even stranger is that when I realize I am not breathing I still don't start to do it. It actually takes effort to make myself start doing it. I wonder why I do it, how long I've been doing it, and even tell myself how I need to start breathing - AND I am holding my breath all the while!

Has anyone ever heard of such condition? Could it be physical or psychological?

[National Jewish]

Your nighttime symptoms do sound like some form of sleep apnea.  During sleep breathing stops temporarily, for up to a minute at a time.  Your daytime symptoms sound more psychological.  This is probably coming from anxiety about your nighttime experiences.  A sleep disorders doctor should examine you.

[ozark]

i would discuss this with your dr and ask for a sleep study so they can monitor your sleeping pattern...it sounds like you obstruct yourself and this study could diagnose this ..good luck

[JL321]

I should have mentioned - I live in Russia.
I went to the doctor and he dismissed the idea of sleep apnea. However, he was concerned about the symptoms. I had an EKG and Echo cardiogram today and am currently wearing a holster monitor. Then he referred me to a nuerologist and an eye doctor. He said something about pressure under the eyes. I didn't quite get it. Anyway, we'll see what comes of it all. I know I still don't sleep well and I hold my breath quite often. Thanks for the comments.

[Rossimo]

A related discussion, Sleep Abnia was started.

[lolli876]

A related discussion, I don't breath right!! was started.