Could I have sleep apnea?

Question

I am 5'1" and weigh 120 pounds (healthy weight). Lately when I am falling asleep at night, during the first 30 minutes of sleep I wake up gasping for air, like I've been holding my breath, and I am scared to death. After that I am fine. It only happens once during like the first half hour of sleep. I wonder if this is sleep apnea or a panic attack. I don't recall dreaming when this happens. I also have GERD which I am taking Nexium for, don't know if this is related?

Answer 1

Recognize Sleep Apnea
http://www.askaquery.com/question/Recognize-Sleep-Apnea.html

Answer 2

My daughter woke up the same as you, gasping for air. My husband said I held my breath while sleeping and it scared him He would wake me up & tell me to breathe.Dreaming has nothing to do with it. Are you tired when you wake up? As if you didn't rest good? Do you snore? Both are symptoms. Sleep Apnea is a dangerous thing, as you may go to sleep and not breathe. It can cause heart attacks. Best to go see a doctor and find out for sure if this is your problem or if it is something else, Either way, you need to know.

Answer 3

Sounds like it could be either a panic attack or the sleep apnea. I would really ask your doctor. The GERD could be contributing to it too. Someone would have to watch you sleep to really tell you if you stop breathing at some point. They have sleep clinics for that too.

Answer 4

this does not suggest sleep apnea, in it one wakes up multiple times in the night and is tired throughout the day