What may be causing me to have trouble breathing while sleeping?

I have trouble breathing in my sleep. I sometimes stop breathing for minutes. Never rests.

What could be the cause?

Doctors Answers (2)

SomnoDiagnostics, Inc.
Answered on: 10/18/2013

Stopping breathing while sleeping is sleep apnea. It is serious and you should seek treatment. Speak with your PCP or a Board Certified Sleep Specialist. The cause could be a number of factors such as: Weight, circumference of neck, crowded airwary, etc. But please remember that very thin people have sleep apnea also and that is why you should consult a physician. Also, the following small test may be helpful for you to review and take to your physician the epworth sleepiness scale.

Vector Sleep Diagnostics Center
Answered on: 10/9/2013

I suspect you have obstructive sleep apnea. You need a sleep test (polysomnogram) to diagnose this condition and see how severe it is to come up with treatment options. Your primary care doctor should be able to order this test and refer you to a local sleep center like ours or see a sleep disorder specialist to initiate this evaluation.