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.
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.
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.
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?