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Sleep Apnea
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IS THIS APNEA??

Posted by la rossa on June 02, 2006 at 19:15:20:

Hi all! Very soon after I fall asleep (often just as I'm drifting) I wake up in terror (with a strong jerk) because I am not breathing, I can't swallow, in fact it feels like my mouth, jaws and throat are tightly clenched. I am trying desperately to swallow, and only after I manage that (larynx relaxes a bit) I can breathe. Heart racing, I fall asleep again, and it happens again. And so, anything between once to 5-6 times, always in the first half houror so after going to bed. I happens no matter on which side I sleep. I don't snore at all, I am a healthy slim and fit 47 year old female. This started about two yrs ago, and it would happen maybe once a week - then I thought it might be connected with stress or when v. tired or going to bed very late. In the past few months I've had these episodes every night, and they seem to get worse, I struggle harder and for longer to "unclench" my throat. The weirdest thing is that I stated having this when I'm awake, too, when I am very concentrated on smth. I just "wake up" gasping for air and fighting to swallow. I have a distinct sensation that I had either forgotten to breathe, or I had held my breath on purpose (but... without realising...which of course is silly!) It may be psychological, but I feel my throat has become narrower, in fact it almost hurts with tension. Can anyone help? I started dreading nightfall, I am scared to go to bed... I know what will happen...and I am terrified I may one night not be able to regain by breath and choke and die. PLEASE HELP, Thanks!

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  • Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.


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