Hello all!

 I just thought I'd add this observation. I have recently realized that in addition to my obstructed sleep apnea that my breathing has stopped while sleeping, falling to sleep and at least once while I was AWAKE, (lying down reading), because I simply exhale and do not automatically inhale again; I have to make a conscious effort if awake, (or wake up), to inhale.

 I believe that this is a different phenomenon than the "Central Apnea" that I have been reading about; please read on..

 Not to be morbid, but, it has recently occurred to me that when I was a VERY young child I was being abused by my father and I would try to protect myself by hiding under the blankets and holding my breath. I thought he could not find me if I were still and so I held my breath. This behavior has taken on a life it's own. I have been holding my breath when stressed for so many years now that it has had the effect of loosening my diaphragm, (so to speak), so that I do not always automatically breathe again after exhaling. It feels as though I am "hyper-exhaling", (if I can coin a term (?); my diaphragm feels as though it is stuck in the exhaling position.  

 I have only realized this in the past few weeks. In addition to my terrible snoring/ obstructed apnea, I'm sure that I have "taught" myself to stop breathing. Has anyone here ever heard of or read this behavior being described before? Any reference material that you know of?

 Thanks in advance for your help,

 M