Herbie Murray
Choking in your sleep can be a frightening experience, and there are several possible reasons for it. One common cause is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep disorder characterised by brief interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last 10-20 seconds and occur hundreds of times a night, resulting in extremely fragmented sleep. Other symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, gasping, and snorting. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, certain foods and medicines that make you sleepy can also make OSA symptoms worse. Another possible cause of choking in your sleep is acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus and irritates the throat or mouth. If you are experiencing frequent choking in your sleep, it is important to seek medical attention and advice from a healthcare professional.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possible causes | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), acid reflux |
| Symptoms | Choking, gagging, snoring, gasping, shortness of breath, fatigue, grogginess, moodiness, restless sleep |
| Risk factors | Being overweight or obese, large neck or collar size, large tongue, sleeping on your back, hiatus hernia, certain foods and drinks |
| Treatments | CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), positional therapy, weight loss, lifestyle changes, dental devices, surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of a common sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes partially or completely blocked, leading to pauses in breathing. These pauses can last 10-20 seconds and may occur hundreds of times a night, disrupting sleep and causing oxygen levels in the blood to drop. This can result in extremely fragmented sleep and a range of serious physical and mental health problems.
People with OSA typically experience loud snoring, gasping, and snorting, which can be loud enough to hear through walls. Often, a bed partner or family member notices these symptoms first. OSA can also cause restless sleep, with people tossing, turning, kicking, thrashing, or jerking throughout the night.
The risk factors for OSA include being male, post-menopausal, overweight or obese, and having a large neck circumference. Sleeping on your back can also contribute to OSA by causing the airway to become blocked or narrowed.
If you suspect you have OSA, it is essential to seek medical attention. A sleep study, conducted in a sleep clinic or at home, can confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for OSA include CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, positional therapy, weight loss, and, in severe cases, surgery.
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Acid reflux
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder that causes fragmented and poor-quality sleep. It can also be caused by acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus and irritates the throat or mouth. This can happen if excessive stomach acid is produced, you eat a large meal before bed, or the valve at the top of your stomach weakens over time. This condition is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn, and it affects up to 20% of the US population. While acid reflux is not life-threatening, GERD can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
People with GERD often experience acid reflux at night, which can lead to choking while sleeping. This occurs because gravity, which usually helps send digestive acid back down into the stomach during the day, is no longer a factor when lying down horizontally in bed. In addition, decreased swallowing at night makes it harder for the body to push acid reflux back into the stomach, and less saliva is produced during deep sleep, which normally helps neutralize stomach acid.
To reduce the risk of choking on acid reflux while sleeping, it is recommended to avoid eating large meals or trigger foods close to bedtime, wear loose-fitting clothing, and elevate your head with a wedge pillow or an angled bed. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and finding ways to relax and destress can also help improve GERD symptoms. If you are experiencing frequent acid reflux, it is important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescription medications or surgical procedures.
While choking in your sleep can be frightening, it is important to note that there are no known cases of someone choking to death in their sleep due to acid reflux. However, if you are experiencing this symptom, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or sleep specialist to identify the underlying cause and explore treatment options.
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Treatment for choking in your sleep
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of various conditions, and it is important to identify the underlying cause to determine the appropriate treatment. Here are some possible treatments for choking in your sleep:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is a common sleep disorder characterised by repeated closures of the upper airway during sleep, often associated with snoring. The gold standard treatment for OSA is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, which involves using a small bedside device to deliver low-pressure air through a tube to a mask worn over the nose or mouth. CPAP therapy gently holds the airway open from the inside, improving sleep quality. Oral mouth guards can also be worn during sleep to keep the throat open.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, irritating the throat and sometimes reaching the mouth. Treatment for acid reflux includes over-the-counter or prescription antacids to reduce stomach acid. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding large meals before bed and trigger foods like coffee, alcohol, and spicy dishes, can also help manage acid reflux. Sleeping with your head elevated can also prevent stomach acid from travelling upwards.
Asthma
Asthma symptoms can be triggered or worsened by various factors, including sleep position and allergens in the bedroom. Taking daily asthma medication as recommended by a doctor can help relieve nocturnal asthma symptoms.
Allergies or Respiratory Problems
Allergies or respiratory issues can cause thick mucus or saliva to accumulate in the throat, leading to choking during sleep. Treatment includes taking antihistamines or cold medication to reduce mucus production and thin thick saliva.
Nocturnal Panic Attacks
Nocturnal panic attacks can cause choking or a feeling of being smothered, along with other symptoms such as a pounding heart and sweating. Treatment for panic disorders may include prescription antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional to receive a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for choking in your sleep.
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Sleep disorders other than OSA
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common sleep disorder. However, there are other potential causes and sleep disorders that could be the reason for choking in your sleep.
Acid Reflux
Also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus and irritates the throat or mouth. This can cause a choking sensation and excessive saliva production, leading to choking or gagging during sleep. Acid reflux can be triggered by excessive stomach acid production, consuming large meals before bed, or a weakened valve at the top of the stomach, which can be a result of a hiatus hernia.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is a sleep disorder distinct from OSA. CSA occurs when the brain fails to send signals to keep breathing-related muscles functioning during sleep, resulting in breathing cessation or reduction. CSA is characterised by episodes of decreased respiratory effort rather than upper airway obstruction, which is typical of OSA.
Mixed/Complex Sleep Apnea
This sleep disorder is a combination of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Individuals with this condition experience periods of obstructive apnea, where the airway is blocked, as well as central apnea, where the brain does not control breathing properly.
If you are experiencing choking in your sleep, it is important to consult a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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Warning signs of OSA
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a common sleep disorder in which the muscles in your throat relax, causing the surrounding tissue to press on your windpipe and block air movement. This can result in extremely fragmented and poor-quality sleep, which can significantly impact your quality of life. It is often associated with snoring and can lead to a range of serious physical and mental health problems.
- Loud snoring: Snoring is a common symptom of OSA, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, if you snore loudly and consistently and have other symptoms, it could be a warning sign of OSA.
- Pauses in breathing: People with OSA experience pauses in their breathing during sleep, which can last 10-20 seconds and may occur hundreds of times a night. These pauses in breathing interrupt the oxygen flow to the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen and activating a survival reflex that wakes you up just enough to resume breathing.
- Choking or gasping: The loud gasp or choking sound that occurs when you wake up choking is often an involuntary reflex of the brain, trying to disturb your sleep enough to restart breathing. This can be frightening and uncomfortable, feeling like you are suffocating.
- Daytime fatigue: OSA can cause extremely fragmented sleep, leading to daytime fatigue, grogginess, and excessive daytime sleepiness. People with OSA may experience "microsleeps," where they fall asleep for brief periods during the day, which can be dangerous when driving or operating machinery.
- Risk factors: OSA can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk. These include age (risk increases as you get older), male gender (males are more likely to be diagnosed before age 50), and obesity. However, anyone of any body size can develop OSA.
If you are experiencing choking in your sleep or other warning signs of OSA, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. A sleep specialist or your primary care provider can help you identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments, such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, to improve your sleep quality and overall health.
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Frequently asked questions
Choking in your sleep can be a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is when the soft tissue in the back of your throat collapses during sleep and blocks the airway. This results in fragmented and poor-quality sleep.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is often associated with loud snoring, interrupted breathing, and restless legs. People with OSA may also choke on their saliva or choke on acid reflux.
There are several treatments for OSA, including CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, oral appliances, mouthguards, and mandibular advancements. Sleeping on your side and elevating your head can also help to keep your airway open during sleep.
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