Doctors Answers (4)
This feeling may be linked to sleep disordered breathing, dream state enacting behaviour or night terrors or possible sleep myoclonus which is a normal phenomenon. You should pursue an evaluation with a sleep specialist to assess whether a sleep test is warranted.
Yes you could be experiencing a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, nocturnal panic attacks or hypnic jerks You should seek out a sleep physician.
Your feeling of being strangled as you re falling asleep suggests that your airway is closing off. This usually occurs when your tongue and soft palate collapse and obstruct the flow of air to your lungs. This is what is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This event triggers your autonomic nervous system to react with an adrenalin effect; thus, a rapid heart rate or a feeling of fear. You need an over night sleep study in a sleep lab. Another less likely cause for this feeling is Central Sleep Apnea which your doctor can define.
The reason you feel like you have a strangling sensation when ou are falling asleep is that your airway collapses or becomes obstructed. Then you try to take a breath but it is unsuccessful. Finally, when the amount of oxygen is so low your brain signals your body to wake up and take a breath. This is what the bed partner hears as a silence followed by a gasp for air.