I have had this issue on and off for the last few months. When I am falling asleep at night, I suddenly realise that I haven't breathed in for a while and I am jolted awake. I then feel as though my brain isn't sending the signal to my muscles to breathe properly. I then spend about an hour trying to distract myself, tricking my body into resuming breathing automatically. I have had this before when I was younger, but it would happen once and then not happen again for years. I am 33 now. Last night was one of the worst instances of it. It happened about 3 times in a row as I tried to fall asleep. I got up and played a video game for 30 minutes, which settled it down and I was able to fall asleep, though I woke up this morning completely exhausted, despite having slept for seven hours. It is terrifying. I don't know whether this is apnea or anxiety related (had GAD for 15 years, treated with an SSRI). I also have asthma, though it is well controlled. I have also recently returned to my job in a developing country (which I was excited to do and for the past week I have felt great about it). This is making we doubt my choice and feel like I should get back to my home country for treatment. Any advice would be much appreciated.
I was suggest that you get a sleep test done just to find out if you have sleep apnea. Anxiety could play a role in this also. One step at a time. you could also get some counseling for the anxiety. Take care
Thanks Jan. I will get into the doctor this week and try to get a referral for a reliable sleep clinic nearby. All the best.