Hyperventilation whilst sleeping

[Booklover17]

Has anyone else experienced huperventilation whilst sleeping? I have been under some stress and last night I woke up hyperventilating and could not calm down for a while. The only thing that worked was doing that technique where you squeeze your hands into a fist etc. has anyone else been in this situation?

[PamelaR]

Hi Booklover

Thanks for asking a great question. Yes, I have what appears to be hyperventilation while sleeping. It's really frightening and takes me ages to settle. In fact I find it hard to get back to sleep in case it happens again.

If it were me I'd see my doctor asap. There maybe a case for it, other than stress or anxiety, e.g. sleep apnoea.

The squeezing your hands into a fist is a really good way of getting your body to relax and let go. I find I do it through my hold body, starting at my feet.

PamelaR

[Booklover17]

Hi Pamela,

Thank you for your response. I forgot to mention I do have anxiety and sometimes depression (I see a psychologist). I have had hyperventilation before just not whilst sleeping that I can remember.

Glad I am not the only one!

[sometimesanxious]

It sounds to be like you are waking up from a possible panic attack.

when my anxiety is really bad this is quite common for me.

[Booklover17]

Hi sometimesanxious,

Thank you for your reply. I think you could be right. I do get them but haven’t had them in my sleep before now!