Sleep Paralysis/Sleep Apnea

[Emmas Mom]

I am 25 years old, and I have been experiencing episodes of sleep paralysis.  It feels like I am not breathing and I can't and is very scary!  I am also concerned that maybe I have sleep apnea, though my husband says I do not snore, and if I do it is very quietly.  I am afraid to go to sleep at night because I am afraid I will never wake up!  I also deal with anxiety issues so I am not sure if it caused my that.  Can you have sleep apnea without snoring?  Is it dangerous?

Thank you

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

The main symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, excessive day time sleepiness, partner notices sudden cessation of breathing, sudden awakenings, headache, sore throat and dry mouth.
Snoring often accompanies sleep apnea but it is not as if you don’t snore then you don’t have sleep apnea.
http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm
I would suggest you to please consult a sleep specialist as soon as you can and do keep us posted.

[Dr Santos]

How are you? People with sleep apnea are deprived of oxygen due to a complete blockage of airways, which can have a major impact on health. Snoring does often accompany sleep apnea, but just because you snore does not mean you have sleep apnea and vice versa.  Minor sleep apnea is responsive to self-help remedies such as     losing weight, eliminating the use of alcohol, tobacco, and sedatives; sleeping on your side, and regularizing your sleep hours. It would be best to see a sleep specialist for proper management and to ease your worries. Take care and keep us posted.