Can sleep deprivation affect breathing or cause difficulty swallowing?

Difficulty breathing: Sleep deprivation may cause mental and physical problems including memory impairment, depression, increased blood pressure, weight gain. That said, for difficulty breathing go to ER without delay. Follow-up with your pcp to find out why you are not getting adequate sleep and have difficulty breathing/swallowing. See: http://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body I hope this helps.