Lately, when I go to bed, I occasionally wake up gasping for air, feeling as though I’m suffocating. This sensation sometimes appears even when I’m just about to fall asleep, accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of impending doom. I find myself having to use my phone to distract and calm myself down from these episodes.
It sounds like it could be a form of sleep apnea, possibly exacerbated by certain conditions. I had a similar experience after surgery which led to temporary sleep apnea. Monitoring your oxygen levels overnight with an O2 finger meter might provide some insight. Definitely consider consulting a healthcare provider.
This issue sounds serious and could be indicative of an underlying health problem. I strongly recommend seeing a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In the meantime, try adjusting your sleeping position by elevating your head and shoulders. This can sometimes help alleviate symptoms like yours, especially if lying flat triggers them.
You might want to get checked for nocturnal asthma. It specifically occurs during the night and can cause symptoms similar to what you’re describing. A preventive inhaler could provide significant relief if this is the case.
Consider whether you might be experiencing asthma triggered by acid reflux. This condition can worsen at night when lying down, leading to the symptoms you’re experiencing.