Waking up short of breath at night

Overview

Waking up short of breath at night, also known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, is a sudden onset of difficulty breathing that occurs during sleep and forces a person to wake up gasping for air. This symptom typically causes individuals to sit up or stand to catch their breath and may be accompanied by coughing or wheezing.

Common Causes

This often occurs when lying flat causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs, commonly seen in people with heart conditions or sleep apnea. Poor air circulation in the bedroom, allergies to dust mites or pet dander in bedding, and acid reflux that worsens when lying down can also trigger nighttime breathing difficulties. Sleeping in an elevated position, maintaining good bedroom ventilation, and managing underlying conditions like asthma or heart problems typically help reduce these episodes.

Severity Levels

Mild: You occasionally wake up feeling slightly breathless but can easily return to sleep after sitting up for a minute or two. This happens infrequently and doesn't significantly impact your sleep quality.

Moderate: You wake up gasping for air several times per week, needing to sit upright or get out of bed to breathe comfortably. These episodes may last several minutes and can make it difficult to fall back asleep.

Severe: You experience frequent, intense episodes where you wake up severely short of breath, often accompanied by panic or fear. You may need to sleep propped up on multiple pillows or in a chair, and these episodes significantly disrupt your sleep and daily functioning.

Medical Attention

You should seek immediate medical attention if this happens frequently or is accompanied by chest pain, severe coughing, or swelling in your legs or feet. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience this symptom for the first time or if it's getting worse over time. If you have difficulty breathing that doesn't improve after sitting up, or if you feel dizzy or have heart palpitations, call emergency services right away.

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