I've been having some sleeping issues that appear to be sleep apnea, but I'm not overweight (5'8", 150 lbs), don't smoke, early 40s, athletic; yet I'll get that "wake up suddenly slightly panicked and feel like I'm out of breath" thing.  I don't get it all the time, but at its worse its kept me waking up constantly for up to 4 hours in the night.  It seems like my breathing at night slows down before the rest of me is ready for it to.

I don't snore (checked with my wife), not overweight, and as far as I know I don't have any brain legions or other such things  
So I don't seem to be either of the two classic types, the Obstruction or the Central (at least I hope I'm not).  My only other issue is that I have been having some occasional issues with an irregular heart beat (though many people have some irregularity).

I will be seeing a doctor next week, but she's just a GP, so any suggestions to where to direct her?  Doctors are funny sometimes...

Thanks,
TT

Hi TRey and Welcome!!,

Unfortunately you have succumbed to the common stereotypic myth.  You don't have to be overweight, out of shape or even snore to have sleep apnea.  It affects all sizes, ages and fitness levels (I do triathlons).  That misconception, which many in the medical profession still hold on to, is responsible for thousands of people being misdiagnosed (including myself) with devastating consequences to their health.  So there is no classic type.

Also apnea is very frequently associated with arrhythmias.  I have Premature Atrial Contractions when I am not treated, my brother has PACs and atrial fib.

The Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects of Sleep Apnea

Additionally, we had a forum member nearly die from his OSA induced arrhythmias.  Harley was featured on TLC's "Mystery Diagnosis" program.  Of course, all of us with apnea knew what it was.

 Personal Stories

So I would highly recommend that you have a sleep study done.  I would also highly recommend that, should you have apnea, you are seen by a physician who has an accreditation in sleep medicine.  They are the best people to diagnose, treat and follow you.

Keep us posted on your progress!!

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

If you feel that you may have a sleep disorder, you should see a sleep specialist.  Your GP might refer you to a sleep clinic for a sleep study, which is OK, but it would be better to actually see a sleep specialist, especially for your first sleep study.

Hi TRey!  First, you do not need to be overweight to have sleep apnea!  I am about the same weight and same age.  I was DX with OSA nearly 4 months ago.  I presumably have had it much of my life-even when I was in my early 20s, 120lbs, my sister says I "snored light a freight train!"   What you are describing as your frequent wakening episodes sounds just like what I went through!  Mine got progressively worse over time.  

Not everyone with OSA snores, although most do.  With the irregular heartbeat-how is it irregular? If you do have OSA, it can affect your heart.  Some people can also be born with a problem with the area of the heart that regulates the heart rate.  There are other causes as well, such as medications.  I just found out I have a minor problem with my SA node (natural pacemaker of the heart) My heart rate speeds up prematurely, leaving me fatigued, short of breath, and dizzy.  I just saw a cardiologist.  I am glad you are going to see your GP.  He (she) should refer you for a sleep study, as anyone with sleep disruption and breathing trouble during sleep should have a study done.  Let us know what happens.  Lantern4life

I'm 5' 10" at 180 pounds not overweight, just the right weight. I did snore pre bipap but not anymore. So more proof that OSA has no boundaries when it comes to body size or symptoms.


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Quote:

Vicki Wrote: succumbed to the common stereotypic myth

Many GP's also succumb to the same thing...so do not let one pass it off as a possibility.  It is not just brain lesions that can cause Centrals...many different things can that would nevr show up on an MRI or EEG.


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