Bugged sleep from heart / breathing

[AndyJH]

Hi All,

Need something answering before I go a bit nuts.

Past couple of weeks, I've been feeling weird. I've fallen off to sleep then I wake sharply because my body feels as if stops breathing (usually sleep on my side, head elevated). When I wake up it feels like I'm not breathing then my body instinctively jerks or I take in a large gasp of oxygen

If I relax sometimes it feels like my heart beats really fast, then starts slowing down almost to a stop. A similar thing is when I wake up from the weird sleeping it feels like all the blood is drained from my body in an instant.

It's starting to freak me out if I'm honest, because I'm getting paranoid about sleeping and dying. Sound stupid I know but :(

Anyway, my medical history. I'm overweight (BMI is about 35) I think, but I frequently work out and have a load of energy. I'm not in employment so unsure if this could contribute to stress. I don't suffer high blood pressure. Not sure if cholestoral is linked to it but no idea about mine, given my size it's probably high as a kit. My dad is diabetic, no know heart problems in family

I'm probably getting a bit paranoid, and freaking myself out but just want to find out if I have some weird condition

[Steven Y Park, MD]

What may sound like a typical panic attack, in light of your history, is highly suggestive of a sleep-breathing problem. If you're eating close to bedtime, try to stop eating within 3-4 hours of bedtime, and the same with alcohol. Sleep-breathing problems like obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome can cause heart rhythm problems.

[AndyJH]

Thanks Steven,

Sounds most likely, I have the most weird eating habits. I skip meals a lot and sometimes eat something at 1am in the morning. At the moment I normally don't sleep until 4am so my body cycle is going on the fritz.

I don't think I have any physical problems with my heart or airway, I think the main issue is my weight anyway (and I work out so it's slowly coming off) I don't smoke and rarely drink so my lungs are in perfect condition :)

Anything else is appreciated.

If problems persist I will follow up, I think less snacking and more excercise should sort it

[AndyJH]

Haven't had anything done yet, I think it's just me having some form of panic attack when I sleep.

I went to sleep last night and slept like a baby

[neurotic]

Have you had a sleep study done. If not i would ask your doctor about as soon as possible.  I would also see a cardiologist.