Struggle to breathe and swallow right before sleep

[JulyDreams]

I know it sounds bizarre. For past year I've noticed just about as I am about to drift off to sleep I am suddenly jolted awake by myself panicking due to not being able to breathe or swallow, almost like the muscles in my throat are tightening or relaxed too much.

It doesn't happen every night... anyone suffered with this similar?

www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/

I had this for a while, no idea why, then when I saw Dr about it it just stopped! Can be dangerous though, so get it checked out.

Could also be silent/acid reflux - how long do you leave it between when you eat and go to bed?

I get this too. Sometimes i'm very nauseous as well and jolt up thinking i'm going to be sick. It's horrible, no solution though.

Yes have experienced the same, I had a period of this happening when therapy got intense, was being propelled out of the bed many times throughout the night wheezing & gasping for breath. Felt like I was suffocating & about to die, absolutely terrifying, would happen just as I was nodding off, all OK now.

IME of living with sleep apnoea, I don’t know I have it, unless you’re considered the worlds most terrible snorer, it’s highly unlikely to be that.

I’d be more inclined to say either anxiety or acid reflux, and more than likely reflux since it’s happening when you’re laying down Although no one but a medical professional can tell you.

I had it during lunch a very stressful and anxious time in my life.

I think it's reflux. The stomach acid sneaks up as you are falling asleep and sometimes gets into your windpipe and you cough and choke a bit. I have a panic reaction to it because very briefly I feel like I can't breathe.

See your GP, and in the meantime, try to eat earlier in the evening, leaving 2.5 hours+ between meal and bed, and prop yourself up in bed on pillows or whatever so your head is higher than your stomach.

Thanks all.

I eat about 8/9 every night.

@Mannymoomin I do suffer with anxiety