what causes a feeling like someone has tight hold of you and you can not breath and sickness too

[meem60]

HI I AM A 61 YEAR OLD WITH OSTEO ARTHRITIC PAIN IN THE SMALL OF THE BACK HIPS AND BEHIND THE KNEE CAPS I HAVE SPODYLITIS,
I TAKE MUSCLE RELAXANTS FOR BED,BUT FOR A COUPLE OF NIGHTS I GO TO SLEEP AFTER HALF AN HOUR I AWAKE WITH THIS MOST HORRIBLE FEELING,IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS HOLD OF ME VERY TIGHT AND I CANNOT CATCH MY BREATH.
I HAVE TO SLEEP WITH A FAN SUMMER AND WINTER  AND THIS ALSO IS NOT GIVING ME AIR,EVEN THOUGH THE BODY IS COLD OFF THE FAN.I FEEL SICK WITH THIS FEELING.
DOES ANYONE ANY IDEA WHAT IT IS.

[Suri123]

Hi meem60, how are you? Relax! I feel you might be having sleep paralysis, which occurs when you may go to sleep or may tend to wake up from sleep. It is a temporary phenomenon where you are incapable of moving your body or even part of it physically but keep trying to shout loudly or seek someone’s help. It may be lasting for a few seconds to minutes. There is no physical injury to body, but you will be probably frightened with sweating and increased heart beat with shortness of breath. Night terrors can aggravate it further. You need to reassure yourself nothing has happened and nothing is going to happen. Try to change your sleeping position and avoid sleeping supine. Avoid alcohol, smoking, excessive coffee/tea, too spicy bulky meal and going to bed late night. Alprazolam before sleep can be tried. Most important thing is to get rid of stress. Exercise and meditation can be helpful. If still you face it then consult sleep specialist. Take care and share your views.

[KatEyes]

Sounds scary to wake up feeling like that. I used to wake up feeling the same way before being treated for sleep apnea with a cpap machine. Muscle relaxers can make sleep apnea worse, as the throat muscles are more likely to collapse from being so relaxed. Sounds like a sleep study could answer your questions.

[meem60]

Thank you for your answer to my problem,and can understand what you mean it is logical really if the antitriptomine relax me because of pain,it must also relax the throat too,i will see into the sleep study.
I thank you so much for your answer.

[Suri123]

Hi meem60, thanks for your notes and updates. Hope you are doing better? Yes, muscle relaxants and sedative does have negative impact and should be avoided. It is also better if you can make a visit to orthopedic surgeon to check you ortho symptoms. Keep continuing your meditation and brisk exercise/walks. It is common at your age to have sleep deprivation but need to focus on overcoming the stress as it might even worsen your problems. Get a sleep study done and update on the doctor’s advice. Take care.