Why do I awaken with shortness of breath?

I, too, awoke in the middle of the night with shortness of breath. The third doctor asked if I had experienced heartburn lately and I had, but very infrequently. It turns out that I had acid reflux; the acids from my stomach were coming up and going into my lungs, giving me a sudden shortness of breath. Adding 2" lifts to the feet under the head of my bed has helped alleviate this problem. I hope this helps. I was 35 at the time.

I had this problem and the result of my tests was that I had sleep apnea due to a neurological condition, not obstructive.

I have both central and obstructive sleep apnea. Luckily, my stress test showed that my heart is still healthy. But I didn't get diagnosed until my mid-forties, Since then I have used a CPAP. Even so, I sometimes wake up out of breath.

Not sure if it would help, but after having tests done to check for physical problems with the shortness of breath, it might be helpful for sufferers to get a fan to put in the rooms where they are sleeping. Just getting the air moving slightly can possibly circulate oxygen into their system. It doesn't have to be turned directly on them either. Be sure that you or others are covered warmly enough to avoid the minor draft from slow to low speeds. High speeds can possibly move the air too quickly unless the fan is a good distance away from the sleeping area.

Nora, thanks for the tip!

I suffered from these symtoms too, several years ago. I was diagnosed with asthma.

I thought I was having panic attacks, maybe just as i was falling asleep. I would wake and run to the window gasping to breathe in air, but not able to exhale – it seems as if I was only taking short inhalings.
I was so frightened.
my MD says it sounded more like sleep apnea- because I felt a CHOKING sensation. I am a good thirty pounds overweight and I
researched. It seem fat can accumulate in your throat also, and when you relax and fall asleep- it can close up. I also suffer from all sorts of torture dolled out by a malfunctioning thyroid. ( hypo)
All in all I found that by not eating or drinking anything near bedtime, I had less and less trouble ( maybe the post about acid reflux was correct) But I agree – write down as much aspossible about the type of symptoms you feel when you has this- and talk withyour doctor !!

I'm experiencing short of breathe when i stay home and also in work place. I thought it was because of staying in closed area but i think it is something else that is causing the problem. If anyone suggests Which doctor i have to consult for my initial treatment that would be really helpful. Thanks!!

I am a female, 58 years of age. I am experiencing the same symptoms of being awaken in the night, not being able to breathe. Sometimes I even dream I am in close spaces, trying to open windows to breathe, and then I wake up trying to get my breath. Sitting up and opening windows helps somewhat but I still have tightness in my chest. I am also having trouble taking deep breaths at any time and having episodes of dizziness as well, sometimes with nausea. As well, at times I have an aching in my left upper chest that comes and goes but does not seem to intensify. I have Stage 3 CKD and my father had cardiovascular disease at my age.

I am an American living in the UK and the medical system is quite different than the care I had in the States. Although I see doctors on a regular basis, I haven't had a physical exam in a year. I am given tests and meds but no hands on. My last C-reactive protein test was 6.9 and I have another test scheduled in two weeks. My next appointment with my nephrologist isn't until November, but I am seeing a GP at my local medical practice.

Any suggestions?