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Thank you for your reply. Do you think I should see a neurologist/sleep specialist instead of a pulmonology/sleep specialist? I had a very hard time relaxing there and didn't feel it was a typical nights rest, but I did sleep. My daughter says I don't snore and she sleeps with me every night. I typically am either on my side and then wake up repeatedly on my back . The dreaming of choking or holding my breath has happened in both positions. I feel so awful every morning and don't know where to turn.
Hi everyone! I came across this site while researching what may be wrong with me . I had a sleep study done a few months ago which was negative. But most nights I wake up several times and am either gasping for air or feel as though I've been holding my breath. My heart is pounding and sometimes I just feel awful. More often, however, I am having dreams of drowning, or holding my breath while a big wave is coming, or laughing so hard I can't breathe or I can barely breathe under water...the list goes on and on. I don't snore, or at least if I do, that's not my problem, but when I read about central sleep apnea, it was like a light went off. That seems to fit my symptoms of shallow breathing (dreaming I'm under water and as long as I don't breathe too deeply I can do it) and the not breathing at all.
I think this sounds like a crazy person, but I hope someone out there can understand what I'm talking about and tell me where to go for help. The sleep study was negative and I'm not surprised. I don't believe I do this every night, but I would say about half of the time. The doctor didn't seem to treat anything except regular sleep apnea with a cpap.
Do those of you with central or mixed apnea do this on a nightly basis? Given my description above, does it sound like this may be what I have? I'm a generally healthy woman who is very active eats pretty healthy and doesn't smoke. I also suffer in the mornings from headaches but sometimes they last all day. I am being treated for TMD with a mouthpiece but it hasn't proven to stop the headaches, etc. I really need help. I never feel rested... If anyone out there can offer any advice, I would appreciate it! Thanks!
