Sleep disorder

[eduardo]

Hello everyone,
Right before I fall asleep, a minor nasal passage obstruction triggers the "lack of air" anxiety (of not surfacing in time). Whenever it starts happening--if I were to rise from bed and start walking (and deliberately thinking of something else)...the psychological pressure slowly dissipates within a minute, two, or three...without re-occurrence when deliberately thinking of something else (immediately returning to bed to fall asleep).
I've been having this "sleep disorder" for the past 1 1/2 years...it happens about once or twice per month. When it happens it's very scary! Can anyone tell me the name of my "sleep disorder"? What can I do to get rid of this sleep disorder?
Thank you in advance!

[Wannabewaif]

Sleep apnea is the disorder where you wake up because of periods of not breathing, but this sounds almost like an anxiety or panic attack... If it's a nasal blockage have you tried the breathe right strips? They're these strips you put on your nose to help keep the airway free... If it's anxiety, it sounds like if you keep your mind off of it it goes away... If it gets so bad that it's disrupting your sleep completely you might want to check with a doctor (even if it's a phone call without going in)

[bteana]

Yes, actually that does sound like sleep apnea. My boyfriend has it, and it is rather dangerous. I'm actually going with him to the hospital today to a sleep center. There are treatments for it, usually in the form of a Darth-Vader like machine you wear when you sleep to keep the airway unblocked, but also losing weight and/or quitting smoking might help.