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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Gasping For Air And Increased Heart Rate Suddenly While Sleeping?

when im falling asleep i jolt awake gasping for air, and heart rate increased, this has been goingg on for around 2 years. i have had anxiety issues most of my life and suffer with ocd quiet bad whats happening to me, will this kill me, now 2 night with no sleep because i,m terrified. please help.
posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Twitter Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 13 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on HCM.
I can understand your situation and problem.
In my opinion you are mostly having anxiety related symptoms only.
But better to rule out obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) first. Because OSA is having same symptoms like gasping for air in sleep with tachycardia.
So get done sleep study first. If it is normal then no need to worry for OSA.
You are mostly having anxiety related symptoms only.
So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions.
Try to identify stressor in your life and work on its solutions.
Avoid stress and tension.
Be relax and calm. Don't worry, you will be alright.
You may need anxiolytic drugs too.
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What Causes Gasping For Air And Increased Heart Rate Suddenly While Sleeping?

Thanks for your question on HCM. I can understand your situation and problem. In my opinion you are mostly having anxiety related symptoms only. But better to rule out obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) first. Because OSA is having same symptoms like gasping for air in sleep with tachycardia. So get done sleep study first. If it is normal then no need to worry for OSA. You are mostly having anxiety related symptoms only. So better to consult psychiatrist and get done counselling sessions. Try to identify stressor in your life and work on its solutions. Avoid stress and tension. Be relax and calm. Don t worry, you will be alright. You may need anxiolytic drugs too.