Question:
Could it be sleep apnea?

I have never had any sleep problems, but last night I was having a dream that someone was suffocating me and I woke up gasping for air. My question is . . . could this be sleep apnea or just the fact that I thought I was suffocating? I don't have any other symptoms of sleep apnea. Now that I have read about the dangers of sleep apnea and surgery, I am worried. I don't snore. I don't wake up with headaches. I don't fall asleep at the wrong time. I just don't know if the dream made me wake up feeling that way, or if the dream was a way for God to tell me that I wasn't breathing and to WAKE UP!!    — Christine C. (posted on September 9, 2002)

September 9, 2002
Christine, It could possibly be sleep apnea. Its better to be safe and tell your doctors about it so they can send you to be tested. Please read the memorial I wrote on Ginger Brewster on this website to find out what can happen when someone goes into surgery with severe untreated sleep apnea. Best of luck to you and please let me know your outcome.
   — Hackett

September 9, 2002
I too had no symptoms of sleep apnea, but my Dr. wanted a sleep study to be sure. The Dr. in charge thought i probably didn't have it either. I had my sleep study last night and failed. Next week I will get my breathing machine. Better be safe than sorry.
   — obsessivekompulsive

September 10, 2002
Dear Christine..Others answers were very wise..Advise your doctor...I was awakening tired, falling asleep in front of the TV,sitting up! A couple of times in the last few months I have awakened gasping for breath, having to sit on edge of bed and calm myself..After testing..Severe sleep apnea..I am now on a CPAP and sleeping much better..Take care of yourself, even if it seems silly..Call your doc...
   — Cheri P.