Colin Snow
It is natural to wonder about the possibility of suffocating in one's sleep, especially when considering the safety of babies and young children. While it is rare for adults to accidentally suffocate in their sleep, it is not unheard of, and certain risk factors can increase the likelihood, such as alcohol consumption, drug use, extreme fatigue, or smoking. However, the greatest risk of accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ASSB) occurs in infants from birth to 6 months of age, with most deaths happening between birth and 4 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you wake up if you suffocate in your sleep? | Your body will wake up if you are suffocating in your sleep. |
| What happens if you are suffocating in your sleep? | You will wake up suddenly short of breath. |
| What if you are dreaming of suffocating? | You will wake up feeling like you haven't taken a breath in a long time. |
| What about babies? | Babies are at risk of suffocating in their sleep. |
| What can parents do to prevent this? | Use blankets or a lightweight sleeping bag without a hood for babies under 12 months. Do not use a pillow for babies under 12 months. Keep plastic bags, nappy sacks, and other plastic sheets out of reach. |
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What You'll Learn
Babies are at risk of suffocation in their sleep
It is natural to worry about the risk of suffocation, especially when it comes to babies and young children. While adults have control over their bodies, babies and young children do not, and they are at a higher risk of suffocation during sleep. This is because they can easily get trapped or stuck in a position that restricts their breathing.
Suffocation is a form of asphyxia, which occurs when an individual cannot breathe properly, resulting in a lack of oxygen reaching the body's organs. This is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths, with most accidents happening to children under five. It only takes a few minutes for a baby to suffocate, and they may not have the strength or coordination to free themselves from dangerous situations.
Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, whether in a cot, bassinet, or another safe sleeping space. Soft objects, loose items, and fluffy materials should be kept away from the sleeping area to prevent the risk of suffocation. It is also crucial to ensure that the mattress is firm, flat, and fits the cot correctly to prevent the baby's head or limbs from getting trapped. Bed-sharing or co-sleeping should be avoided as it increases the risk of suffocation.
Additionally, when using baby carriers or slings, it is essential to follow safety guidelines, such as ensuring the baby's face is not covered with fabric or clothing and that their chin is off their chest to allow for normal breathing. Car seats and buggies are not recommended for routine sleep as they can pose a suffocation risk if the baby's nose and mouth become obstructed. It is also important to keep plastic packaging and plastic bags out of reach, as they can cling to a baby's face and cause suffocation.
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Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard for toddlers
Plastic bags are a well-known suffocation hazard for toddlers. This is due to the fact that plastic does not allow any air to pass through, making breathing impossible. As toddlers begin to crawl at around six months old, they may find plastic bags left within their reach and accidentally pull them over their heads, blocking their noses and mouths and causing suffocation. The risk of suffocation is higher with thin plastics as they can easily mould to the shape of a child's face.
In some places, there are regulations in place that require plastic bags to carry suffocation warnings. For example, in the U.S., while there is no federal legal requirement for "child suffocation" warnings, five states have implemented regulations on suffocation warnings for certain plastic bags. These include California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. Warnings must be clear, legible, and mention the hazard, and some sources recommend a minimum font size of 10pt to 36pt depending on the bag size.
To reduce the risk of suffocation, it is recommended to add perforations to plastic bags. CEN/TR 13387-3 suggests "perforations with 6 mm diameter holes so that a minimum of 1% of the area has been removed over any area of 30 mm by 30 mm". Additionally, plastic bags without perforations and with an opening perimeter larger than 360 mm should not have a drawstring or cord as a means of closing, as tightening these could also cause suffocation or strangulation.
While it is important to take precautions to prevent suffocation, it is worth noting that the body has mechanisms in place to prevent accidental suffocation during sleep. For example, if an individual is choking or unable to breathe, their body will wake them up or cause them to pass out, after which their body will resume breathing.
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Sofas and cushions can cause infant suffocation
It is natural to worry about the risk of suffocation while sleeping, but it is important to note that your body will usually wake up if it senses danger. While it is possible to choke in your sleep, it is rare, and your body will often subconsciously react to prevent suffocation.
However, this is not the case for infants, who are at a much higher risk of sleep-related suffocation. Sofas and cushions can indeed cause infant suffocation, and they are a leading cause of injury and death among infants under one year old in the United States. Unintentional suffocation accounts for 82% of sleep-related infant deaths, with soft bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and couch cushions, being the primary cause.
Sofas and cushions pose a significant risk to infants due to the softness and pliability of the surfaces. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that soft bedding can block an infant's airway, leading to suffocation. This includes not only pillows and blankets but also the cushions of sofas and recliners. Infants' airways can become obstructed when their faces sink into the soft surfaces, preventing them from breathing properly.
Additionally, the gaps between sofa cushions and the crevices within the cushions themselves can pose an entrapment risk for infants. They may become trapped or wedged, leading to suffocation if their airway becomes blocked. This risk is particularly high for infants under four months old, who lack the mobility and strength to free themselves if they become trapped.
To prevent these tragic accidents, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to create a safe sleep environment for infants. The AAP recommends that babies always sleep on their backs on a firm surface, such as a crib mattress, without any soft bedding, pillows, or blankets. It is also essential to avoid letting infants sleep on sofas or adult beds, as the risk of suffocation and entrapment is significantly higher on these surfaces. By following these guidelines, parents can greatly reduce the risk of sleep-related suffocation for their little ones.
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Adults wake up when they dream of suffocating
It is common to wake up when dreaming of suffocating. This is due to a subconscious response to stress and panic in the dream. The body will wake up to escape the sensation of suffocation, and the dreamer will wake up feeling short of breath.
In one example, a person dreamed that they were driving into a lake, and the car was submerged. In the dream, they felt themselves suffocating, and when they woke up, it felt as though they hadn't breathed in a long time. This is a common experience, and the body's natural response is to wake up and escape the source of danger.
Dreams of suffocating are often a result of deep-seated feelings of stress, tension, or pressure in waking life. The dreamer might feel that they are not being heard or listened to, and this translates into feelings of suffocation and dying in the dream. It is important to note that these dreams do not mean that one should harm oneself; rather, they are a way for the subconscious to resolve conflicts and problems.
In some cases, the dreamer might wake up and find that they have wrapped a blanket tightly around their head, which can be a frightening experience. However, it is important to remember that these dreams are a way for the mind to process complex emotions and that one should seek support if the dreams are causing distress.
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Choking in your sleep wakes you up
Choking in your sleep can be a frightening and potentially dangerous experience. Fortunately, your body will wake up if you are choking or suffocating in your sleep. This is due to your body's survival instincts, which will force you to wake up and resume normal breathing.
There are several reasons why choking in sleep occurs. One of the most common causes is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a sleep disorder characterised by brief interruptions in breathing during sleep due to a partial or complete blockage of the airway. This can be caused by various factors, including obesity, enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or neurological conditions such as seizures or strokes. OSA can lead to choking, gasping, or snorting as the person wakes up briefly to resume normal breathing.
Another cause of choking in sleep could be Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. This can increase the risk of acid reflux and aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into the airway) during sleep, triggering choking or coughing. Other factors that can contribute to choking in sleep include stress and anxiety, which can cause muscle tension in the throat, and alcohol consumption, which can relax the muscles and increase the likelihood of choking.
If you experience frequent choking in your sleep, it is important to seek medical attention and consider a sleep study or home sleep test to diagnose any underlying conditions, such as OSA or GERD. Treatment options are available, such as the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which can help hold your airway open and improve the quality of your sleep.
In rare cases, choking in sleep can be caused by sleepwalking or engaging in eating while asleep, which can lead to choking on food or other objects. It is crucial to address any underlying causes and consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis if you experience choking episodes during sleep.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unlikely for adults to suffocate in their sleep. However, babies and young children are at a high risk of suffocation.
Babies can accidentally suffocate due to blankets, duvets, quilts, pillows, nappy sacks, and fabric baby slings. Sofas with large gaps and cushions can also cause suffocation.
To prevent suffocation, babies under 12 months should use blankets or a lightweight sleeping bag instead of a duvet or quilt. Never use a pillow with a baby under one year old. Keep nappy sacks out of reach and never put them in a cot or pram. Avoid putting babies to sleep on sofas or in fabric slings.
If someone is suffocating in their sleep, they may appear panicked and gasp for breath. Their body will likely wake up and fight to get air.
If you feel like you are suffocating in your sleep, try to wake up and move to a well-ventilated area. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing any breathing difficulties.
