Question
I am 48. I have never had problems sleeping. But for about the past year, every single time I fall asleep, I make all kinds of noises as I am falling asleep. I groan and moan and it scares my kids but my husband thinks it's funny. What is wrong with me? It is embarrassing if I fall asleep around anyone other than my husband.
Answer
It could be one of 2 things, sleep apnea which is stopping breathing for a couple of seconds usually loud snoring, the noises could be, also if you awaken in middle of night coughing, if you are overweight losing even 5 pounds can help it, or it could be sinuses. You might try sleeping on 2-3 pillows to see if that helps elevate the airway. go to sleepnet.com click on disorders, sleep apnea, and see if any of the symptoms sound like you. what you can do is have your husband tape record the noises, visit a sleep center and play it for them, usually they can tell if its sleep apnea or not. keep me posted, feel free to email again karel. If the noises are accompanied by any jerking or twitching then they could be sleep seizures which you should see a neurologist immediately however im no md but what you describe sounds either beginning of mild sleep apnea or sinuses. try the pillows also if you grind your teeth at night you can buy an over the counter bite block in local drug stores which would bring your jaw up front, the last thing is if you have your tonsils still, it could be large tonsils. which you would need an ear, nose and throat specialist. but try sleeping more elevated to see if it helps,first.feel free to email again karel
