Help Scared!!!

jenmelberg · Post by **jenmelberg** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:04 am

Has anyone woke up out of there sleep gasping for air and coughing??
When my anxiety was really bad I remember having this problem, but I've been anxiety free for a while and in the past month I've woke up twice in the middle of the night literally GASPING for air ,thinking ok this is it I'm going to die I can't catch my breath. It is the scariest thing beyond heart flutters!
If this has happend to anyone can you please share.

Thank You!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:14 am

Absolutely!! I would even be afraid to take naps during the day for fear of waking to this. Some of mine was GERD, and I actually was choking a bit, but other times, it was just pure anxiety. My psych doc said anxiety while you sleep can cause esophogeal spasms from tension you feel and experience even while asleep, and you wake up very air hungry. It is very SCARY.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:17 am

Hey Jen that has happened to me and it led to a panic attack. First go to your doc ask him to check for asthma then you might want to go to sleep clinic to see if u have sleep apnea. I was having that problem last year they found out I had asthma. But if they don't find anything relax its just anxiety which can release when u are sleeping.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 4:22 am

Thank You both for replying so fast:)

I have acid reflux and woke up out of my sleep choking and throwing up actually. No fun!
But, this was different I just woke up, sat straight up in bed and was gasping for air felt like my air way was blocked or something.
A couple years ago when my anxiety was bad I had the what ifs about breathing and went to the doctor for asthma, and I don't have it.

I never thought of the sleep apnea though. I hope this is just anxiety! Sooooo scary!