Waking up feeling tired and short of breath can be a sign of a serious health issue. Many people think this condition is due to sleep apnea, but in reality, gasping for breath upon waking can be caused by various factors. Some causes are temporary and benign, while others are more serious.
1. Sleep Apnea Causes Gasping for Breath Upon Waking
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a nighttime breathing disorder that occurs when the tongue and other tissues in the mouth fall back and block the airway, causing difficulty breathing. Each episode can last up to a minute or more and may repeat hundreds of times each night. Some people may suddenly wake up gasping for breath or feeling choked. Other symptoms associated with OSA include:
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- High blood pressure
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
2. Anxiety and Nighttime Panic Attacks
Certain psychological and mental instabilities can trigger respiratory issues at night. Many patients report that they do not snore but wake up gasping for breath at night. After ruling out sleep apnea and other underlying physiological causes, experts have found that these patients are likely gasping for breath during sleep due to excessive anxiety or psychological instability at night.
Symptoms of nighttime panic attacks include a racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, a sense of panic accompanied by fear and anxiety. These patients are also likely to have a history of insomnia. Other symptoms include:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Chills, sweating
- Chest tightness, difficulty breathing
- Feeling out of control
- Anxiety, fear of something impending
3. Post Nasal Drip Syndrome Causes Waking Up Feeling Tired
Post Nasal Drip Syndrome is also a common cause of gasping for breath upon waking at night, especially for those with severe nasal congestion.
When a person with nasal congestion lies down to sleep, secretions can flow from the nose to the back of the throat, causing choking, coughing reflex, and gasping for breath. Those who wake up gasping due to post nasal drip often say they feel like they are choking, and they may also experience symptoms such as a sore throat, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, or headaches due to sinusitis.
4. Caused by Acid Reflux
Acid reflux can cause stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This condition is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Sometimes, the acid can travel far enough up to the larynx or throat, leading to Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR). This can cause choking, coughing, and gasping for breath upon waking. Other common symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Bad breath
- Chronic sore throat
5. Heart Failure Causes Waking Up Feeling Tired and Short of Breath
A common cardiovascular issue, heart failure, can also cause waking up feeling tired and short of breath. This condition occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the body's organs, leading to an oxygen deficiency.
Congestive heart failure also causes fluid to accumulate in or around the lungs, leading to congestion and difficulty breathing. While the most common symptoms occur during strenuous exercise, they can also happen when the patient lies down and rests. Other symptoms may include:
- Swollen legs
- Chest tightness
- Coma
- Abdominal bloating
- Stomach and intestinal issues
6. Pulmonary Edema Causes Difficulty Breathing
Pulmonary edema occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the lung's empty spaces and tissues. This makes it harder for the patient to breathe. Pulmonary edema can progress slowly over time, but it can also develop suddenly. Some people may experience gasping for breath upon waking and feel like they are choking or drowning. Acute pulmonary edema is a medical emergency. Other symptoms that patients may experience include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Sudden anxiety or restlessness
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Chest tightness
- Coughing up frothy sputum, which may contain blood
In general, gasping for breath upon waking is an alarming condition but not uncommon. By addressing each cause and gradually reducing the symptoms, patients can return to a good night's sleep. However, if the condition worsens and the patient experiences issues such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, or loss of consciousness, immediate medical assistance is required.
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References: goldcoastimplantspecialist.com.au, healthline.com, webmd.com
