sleep apnea or panic attacks?

[karen701]

I went to my family doctor about a month ago and I told him I was waking up gasping for air.  It's happening more and more now and he told me that it was probably stress related.  He did blood work on my to check my thyroid and cbc and something else.  He put me on xanax0.25mg. Told me to take 1 after I had an attack.  Ok I really don't think this is my problem.  I think it might be something else. Yesterday I was having mild chest pain in my left side.  It was a sharp pain especially when I inhaled.  It's getting to the point that I'm expecting it to happen again now and I'm not sleeping for fear it will.  I took a xanax before I went to sleep tonight and it's made me sleepy and I went to go to sleep and I was completly relaxed until I just had an episode.  My question I guess is that should I go to a sleep study and get evaluated?  Well since it only happens when I sleep or trying to get to sleep.  Thank you so much for your time.  Oh do I need a referral to go to a sleep center?  

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Your symptoms are one of the most common conditions that gets misdiagnosed as an anxiety problem or a panic attack. Many people are placed on anti-anxiety medications which help sometimes, but never treats the true cause of the problem. I'm assuming that you probably don't like to (or can't) sleep on your back. If this is so, a sleep consultation is a good idea, since it sounds like you're obstructing and waking up suddenly. Depending on your insurance, you may or may not need a referral to see a sleep specialist. You can call your insurance company for details.

Take a look at my other articles on Anxiety & Sleep Position, and upper airway resistance syndrome.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

Your symptoms are one of the most common conditions that gets misdiagnosed as an anxiety problem or a panic attack. Many people are placed on anti-anxiety medications which help sometimes, but never treats the true cause of the problem. I'm assuming that you probably don't like to (or can't) sleep on your back. If this is so, a sleep consultation is a good idea, since it sounds like you're obstructing and waking up suddenly. Depending on your insurance, you may or may not need a referral to see a sleep specialist. You can call your insurance company for details.

Take a look at my other articles on Anxiety & Sleep Position, and upper airway resistance syndrome.