sleeping position

kayla · Post by **kayla** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:18 pm

I am a side sleeper, I sleep on my right side. I usually tuck right hand under pillow and left hand under chin. I notice if I wake up and my left arm is at my side or outstretched behind me I wake up with my heart racing and it is hard to breathe. I am wondering if it sleep apnea, heart problems or lung issues. Anyone have any ideas?

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:05 pm

Kayla,

You definitely need to see your doc, tell him/her your symptoms. Might be sleep apnea, might be something else.

sleepycarol · Post by **sleepycarol** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:12 pm

Start with your doctor and explain your symptoms. He might have you take a couple of questionaires that include some risk factors for sleep disorders. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study in order to determine what is going on as well.

The vast majority of us have had sleep studies done -- although there are a few that are self-diagnosed and were willing to do all the research necessary in order to obtain the treatment they needed.

Your best bet though is to start with your doctor.

roster · Post by **roster** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 5:33 pm

kayla wrote:I am a side sleeper, I sleep on my right side. I usually tuck right hand under pillow and left hand under chin. I notice if I wake up and my left arm is at my side or outstretched behind me I wake up with my heart racing and it is hard to breathe. I am wondering if it sleep apnea, heart problems or lung issues. Anyone have any ideas?

My guess is that it is sleep apnea.

Make a mental note of how far your chin is from the very front of your collar bone when you go to sleep. When you wake up with your heart racing, check to see if your chin is closer to your collar bone than when you went to sleep.

For many people lowering the chin while asleep can lead to airway closure and excarbated sleep apnea.

sleeping position

sleeping position

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