I ahve Sleep Apnea, and I stop breathing during the day

[redkim]

I have sleep apnea, I know because I wake up gasping for air sometimes, and often jerk awake when falling asleep.

I had surgery June 29, 2009 and the night of, while in ICU I stopped breathing and the machine went crazy, waking my husband who was in a panic.  I calmly told him I have sleep apnea and went back to bed.

I haven’t had any sleep studies done.

Daily while just sitting I stop breathing; it’s more like I hold my breath.  I then make a gasping moaning sound when I “remember” to breathe again.

I also hyperventilated, so this could be anxiety?  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Also, I have Chiari Malformation and a pineal cyst and had brain surgery for the chiari

[redkim]

Thank you both for your advice.  I went to see my PCP and she has suggested I take the sleep class prior to taking the sleep study.  I wish my husband was there, he told me after my surgery the breathing machine went off several times during the night I was in ICU...that is the only time I have ever been on a breathing machine, so I guess that would tell me that I have sleep apnea.  

I didn't know this because I was knocked out.  I won't be able to take the sleep class until 8-20, hopefully it won't be too long after that I can take the sleep study.

Thanks again for your help!!

[Steven Y Park, MD]

I ditto Dr. Rajput's recommendation. Chiari malformations frequently go along with central and obstructive sleep apnea.

[redkim]

Thank you Dr. Rajput for your response.

I will contact my primary care doctor to schedule the testing.  I am finding that I am very tired during the day, sometimes I want to pull over while driving home because I fear I will fall asleep while driving.

But at night, I don't notice I wake up very often, although the last few weeks I have woken up and had a hard time falling back asleep.  I do find that I am very tired and have a hard time getting up in the morning.  I go to bed when my husband does and typically get 1.5 hour more sleep then him, but am still tired.

Thanks again!

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, from your history it suggests that you are having Sleep-disordered breathing. It is important to rule out type of sleep apnea like Obstructive apnea, Central apnea and Mixed apnea. You need to undergo tests to rule out the type of apnea.
Few of the tests include Apnea index, Apnea-hypopnea index, Respiratory disturbance index, Desaturation and Arousal index.
If the tests are suggestive of sleep apnea the treatment in the form of supplemental oxygen and drugs like acetazolamide and theophylline against prescription are promising.
Hyperventilation can be seen in association with central apnea and Central neurogenic hyperventilation. Yes, it can also be associated with anxiety. For which you have to start relaxation exercises, hot and cold bath, enough sleep, lifestyle changes, stress management skills etc.  
I suggest you to consult physician for further evaluation and treatment accordingly. Take care and regards.