Waking Up Out of Breath? Sleep Apnea Might Be the Reason.

August 14, 2023 8:00 am

Have you ever experienced a sudden jolt and woke up in the middle of the night gasping for air? It can be an unsettling experience, leaving you feeling exhausted and anxious. If this has happened to you more than once, it’s possible that you could be dealing with sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds to a minute and can occur multiple times throughout the night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of both.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Identifying the signs of sleep apnea is crucial for early detection and treatment. Some common symptoms include loud snoring, frequent awakening during the night, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and restless sleep. However, one of the most alarming signs is waking up out of breath.

Waking Up Out of Breath

Waking up out of breath is a cause of interruption in the normal breathing pattern. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes partially or completely blocked, restricting the airflow and causing oxygen levels in the body to drop. This triggers the brain to send signals for you to wake up and take a breath, resulting in the sudden gasping or choking sensation. Similarly, in central sleep apnea, the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to temporary pauses in respiration.

It’s important to note that waking up out of breath should never be ignored, as it may indicate a serious underlying health condition. If you experience this symptom or any other signs of sleep apnea, it’s essential to consult with a professional such as Dr. DeSaix for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Sleep Better in Raleigh, NC

Waking up out of breath can be distressing, and sleep apnea may be the root cause. Don’t let sleep apnea take away your breath or restful sleep. Contact RespAir Sleep for sleep apnea treatment to sleep better in Raleigh, NC!

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