Aa
Holding My Breath
I can't seem to keep breathing!
For a few years I have suspected I have some sort of sleep apnea, but my symptoms don't seem typical of it nor do I fit the profile. I am 31, healthy, not at all overwieght, don't smoke, dont' do drugs, and only occasionally drink alcohol.
When sleeping I even wake myself up because I am not breathing. I wake to catch myself holding my breath. I have my tongue pushed firm against the roof of my mouth and pressure in my chest from trying to exhale through my mouth but not able to do it. It has progressed to the point where I catch myself holding my breath very often throughout the day when I am conscious too. Basically whenever I am not on the move I fight to keep from holding my breath. What's even stranger is that when I realize I am not breathing I still don't start to do it. It actually takes effort to make myself start doing it. I wonder why I do it, how long I've been doing it, and even tell myself how I need to start breathing - AND I am holding my breath all the while!
Has anyone ever heard of such condition? Could it be physical or psychological?
For a few years I have suspected I have some sort of sleep apnea, but my symptoms don't seem typical of it nor do I fit the profile. I am 31, healthy, not at all overwieght, don't smoke, dont' do drugs, and only occasionally drink alcohol.
When sleeping I even wake myself up because I am not breathing. I wake to catch myself holding my breath. I have my tongue pushed firm against the roof of my mouth and pressure in my chest from trying to exhale through my mouth but not able to do it. It has progressed to the point where I catch myself holding my breath very often throughout the day when I am conscious too. Basically whenever I am not on the move I fight to keep from holding my breath. What's even stranger is that when I realize I am not breathing I still don't start to do it. It actually takes effort to make myself start doing it. I wonder why I do it, how long I've been doing it, and even tell myself how I need to start breathing - AND I am holding my breath all the while!
Has anyone ever heard of such condition? Could it be physical or psychological?
A related discussion, I don't breath right!! was started.
A related discussion, Sleep Abnia was started.
I should have mentioned - I live in Russia.
I went to the doctor and he dismissed the idea of sleep apnea. However, he was concerned about the symptoms. I had an EKG and Echo cardiogram today and am currently wearing a holster monitor. Then he referred me to a nuerologist and an eye doctor. He said something about pressure under the eyes. I didn't quite get it. Anyway, we'll see what comes of it all. I know I still don't sleep well and I hold my breath quite often. Thanks for the comments.
I went to the doctor and he dismissed the idea of sleep apnea. However, he was concerned about the symptoms. I had an EKG and Echo cardiogram today and am currently wearing a holster monitor. Then he referred me to a nuerologist and an eye doctor. He said something about pressure under the eyes. I didn't quite get it. Anyway, we'll see what comes of it all. I know I still don't sleep well and I hold my breath quite often. Thanks for the comments.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your nighttime symptoms do sound like some form of sleep apnea. During sleep breathing stops temporarily, for up to a minute at a time. Your daytime symptoms sound more psychological. This is probably coming from anxiety about your nighttime experiences. A sleep disorders doctor should examine you.
i would discuss this with your dr and ask for a sleep study so they can monitor your sleeping pattern...it sounds like you obstruct yourself and this study could diagnose this ..good luck
You are reading content posted in the Respiratory Disorders Forum
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
