A great place to start Disorder information source Rated and Reviewed Sleep Links Entrance to all monitored Sleep Forums Search all of Sleepnet.com
Sleepnet Homepage


Ask the
Sleep Surgeon Question 44

Tips for better sleep
Sleepnet.com's "Ask a Sleep Surgeon" does not provide medical advice, such as that provided through a direct consultation and is not intended to replace it. The responses given are only educational and informative in nature and cannot in any way be used to represent a complete analysis or diagnosis. We cannot make recommendations regarding diagnosis and therapy. Those issues should be addressed directly with your health care practitioner. Use of the "Ask the Sleep Surgeon" Q&A forum indicates your agreement with these terms. Submit a Question


Question 44 - Why do I stop breathing as I fall asleep?

From: B. D.

I have had mild sleep apnea for years. I have been able to deal with it by not sleeping on my back. I begin the sleep process by laying on my left side, and as I am relaxing I shift to my right side and usually fall asleep in a few minutes. Once I get to sleep I usually don't have any problems.

Recently, there has been a significant change. It doesn't matter what position I am in. As I am falling asleep, I stop breathing. As far as I can tell it is only a second or two before I am aware and awake.

Is this the central sleep apnea I am reading about? What can I do? Is taking a sleep aid a good thing in this case?
B.


Response Provided by Dr. Kasey Li
Aug 13, 2008

Sleep apnea progress with aging. If you have untreated mild sleep apnea for years, it is quite possible that our sleep apnea has worsened based on the worsening symptoms. I would recommend a sleep study to find out the status of your apnea.

Kasey Li, MD



Copyright ©1995-2008 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved