U.S. doctors online nowAsk doctors free
Los Angeles, CA
A 27-year-old female asked:

Wake up can't move/breathe/feel something squeezing my chest. young and in shape. sleep paralysis or apnea? hoping the squeezing isn't sudden death.

1 doctor answer • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anuj Malik
Dr. Anuj Malikanswered
Internal Medicine 22 years experience
Not sudden death: Most likely this is sleep paralysis, just as you mentioned. Essentially, you are waking up in rapid eye movement when your body is paralyzed by active inhibition from your brain but your mind is active, and eyes are moving rapidly, with dream like activity or awake consciousness happening. Probably not something to worry about too much but consult a sleep physician if it continues or worries you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Learn how we can help
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Thank
Dr. Evan Altman
Dr. Natalie Hodge
Dr. Patricia Foster
Dr. Evan Altman and 4 doctors agree5 doctors agree

Related questions

A 24-year-old female asked:
Frequently wake up in middle of night with hard time breathing. Sounds like i just finished running. Chest is tight usually. Sleep apnea vs. Asthma?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
A 49-year-old member asked:
For one month I have had a chest cold , coughing , tight feeling can't move mucus and iam having a hard time to breath , when active, tied , but sleep?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
A 19-year-old female asked:
Chest pain shortness of breath and when i sleep sometimes wake witha panic and feel like i can't breath so I have to get put of bed ?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 34-year-old female asked:
6m preg while sleeping sometimes wake up panting like I just ran a mile no,pain or heaviness or anything in chest just can't catch my breath?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 23-year-old male asked:
I have a sleep problem when im about to sleep I immediately wake up its like sleep apnea but it doesn't cuz I dont snore and im able to breath.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Last updated May 1, 2016

Found in:

Sleep›Paralysis

People also asked

While falling asleep i suddenly couldn't breath/move for 5 seconds. Is it more likely sleep paralysis or apnea? (i don't snore and always sleep poor)
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
I am experiencing shortness of breath without chest pains or numbness after over exerting myself in Colorado a few weeks ago . I have become concerned as 55yr old with acute sleep apnea, my symptoms seem like theyve worsened !! Thanks?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
All pft normal frc in pft normal also but tlc and rv are mildly increase..been having shortness of breath since I had covid chest feels tight off n on dr said nothing to worry no lung disease what do u think is it okay ?Im obese n have sleep apnea?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
I have sleep apnea but sometimes during the day my oxygen level is 90-93%. It feels difficult to breathe. Lung tests came back normal.
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
I am 23 old. After father death I got sever anxiety, my 5ecg chest xray, cbc all normal. I feel palpitations doc says due to anxiety. Today 6am sleeping I felt stabbing pain b/w left nipple and armpit it wasn't so bad but I felt with breath last 5min?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Related topics

Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
Talk to a doctor now
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership

Disclaimer:

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get the Free App for Members

Get the Free App for Doctors

HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
TermsPrivacyCookiesDMCA
Copyright 2023 HealthTap, Inc.