Lung sensations while falling asleep

[Dave12218]

Hi. I wanted to inquire about a strange event that occurs when I go to bed just before falling asleep. Once in bed after about 5-10 mins I get a strange jolt like sensation which feels like it comes from my lungs lasting about 1-2 seconds duration then passes. Sometimes its potent enough that I jerk my head up off my pillow in startlement. After its passed I note that there is no difficulty breathing and no residual effect. Sometimes I get these "jolts" many times before eventually falling asleep. In addition sometimes I lie there and suddenly I forcefully draw in air thru my nose like I had not been breathing. But once asleep I sleep thru the night with no problems.  I posted a question on a similar site once before and was told it was Hypnagogia. But it really does feel like it originates from my lungs and from information I've read the symptoms are a lot like Central Sleep Apnea and yet I am not asleep  when they occur.  These events do not occur when I am up and about or sitting up. Only during the time I am lying down attempting to fall asleep. I asked my doctor about it and he didn't seem concerned as it did not appear to be clinically important and its occurred off and on for almost 10 years. I admit it is more of an annoyance than a critical medical issue but sometimes it does keep me from falling asleep for a few hours which can lessen my rest for next day's work. I do suffer from mild Asthma and GERD but take medication for those and even after taking albuterol I still get a few jolts before falling asleep. I am really puzzled by this and some nights very irritated by it and just would like to know what might be causing it. Would you have any idea what it might be? I appreciate your reading this. Thank you!

[Steven Y Park, MD]

As long as it doesn't get worse, and if you're functioning well during the day, it's probably not anything to be worried about. Make sure to continue exercising, don't eat late and keep your weight down. You may have a mild version of upper airway resistance syndrome. Take a look at the article I posted in my articles section on UARS.

[Dave12218]

I read the article on UARS and I found it very interesting. I followed up by reading further on it. I DO have very narrow nasal passages and do get congested as I also have allergies. After the events when I lie there and check my breathing I realized I do it thru my mouth, not my nose. I saw an article that suggested using Breathe Right strips. I'm going to try one tonight and see if any difference. Thank you Dr. Park.

[Dave12218]

Most often usually I am lying on my stomach. I haven't noted any difference in eating or drinking close to bedtime or not when compared to these episodes. I've had them on nights where I have not eaten or drank anything. The sudden obstruction does make sense to me. That would I imagine produce a adrenalin jolt. I find it frustrating sometimes because the events although very prominent they usually occur so fast and are over that I find it hard to ascertain what they are like. I've never encountered any problems with breathing when event has passed. Its more annoying than anything because many times afterwards I'm awake and it postpones falling asleep for awhile. I just think its very strange and wish I knew what was causing it.

[Steven Y Park, MD]

What position do you start off sleeping in when these events occur? If you're sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side. There are a lot of possible explanations, but sometimes, as you're about to fall asleep, as your muscles start to relax, you can have a sudden obstruction which can wake you up violently with a jolt. The fact that you have asthma and GERD support this possibility. Also, try to avoid eating or drinking alcohol close to bedtime. Does it get worse when you do eat or drink close to bedtime?