British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Can somebody help me or am I going nuts!!!!!!!!!!. I have always been a snorer but my husbabd tollerated it but the past few months it has been getting worse and worse .apparently the noise is unbearable and i have very restless legs. some nights i sleep in the spare room......... last night i woke up holding my breath and then gasping after i calmed down i realised i have memories of it happening before but not waking me fully this really scares me also during the day i am shattered and can sleep for hours after just getting up . Do i trust theses memories of previous attacks or is my mind playing tricks i justt don't know and i am nervous of going to bed tonight1

You obviously have some problem with sleep but exactly what it is can't be known until it has been investigated. Snoring loudly and sleeping at the drop of a hat during the day are symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea but whether or not that is the problem will only be known if your doctor asks for the relevant tests. The most reliable witness is another person as we cannot tell ourselves what we are doing in our sleep - has your husband noticed you gasping for breath or not breathing in your sleep? I'd make an appointment to see my GP to discuss it with him/her.

I had very similar symptoms to you and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have a CPAP machine and the qaulity of my life has vastly improved. You need to get things moving with your GP and ensure he/she knows how this is impacting on your life.Try and gather as much information as you can and push to be seen quickly by a consultant. I found I had to really drive things myself to get in front of the consultant.
Good luck!

Hi Fiona. Waking up gasping for breath, loud snoring, daytime drowsiness and thrashing legs are all symptons of obstructive sleep apnoea. It is also very frightening when you first get symptons and the sleep deprivation is very bad for your health and wellbeing. Pinky and Jewels are absolutely right, you must get to your GP and push hard for a referral to a sleep clinic for a sleep study. This will confirm for certain whether you have OSA or perhaps another sleep problem. OSA is treatable with a CPAP machine, with which most people have great success.

Pinkys suggestion of getting someone to watch you when you sleep to see if you stop breathing and wake up gasping for air is a very good idea. Ask your partner or a friend/family member. This is how I first knew I had a problem. Tell your GP.

Please keep us all updated with your progress. We have all been in the same position as you - you are not alone. There are loads of people on this site who are very helpful, so if you have any questions - ask.