Furthermore, an allergy test may help identify the cause of the reaction and you may be able to alleviate your symptoms by simply avoiding the allergen. In the long term it is best to have these medications prescribed by a doctor.

While the condition is not life threating, it is sleep disruptive and you may want to consider taking antihistamines or a cold medication. In severe cases, these can lead to you to wake up gasping for air. Nasal allergies and bad colds are often associated with nasal secretions travelling down the back of your throat when you lie down. The condition referred to as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is usually relieved by sitting up for about half an hour and individuals are advised to seek the help of a specialist as the condition can be fatal if left untreated 3. Sudden waking up at night after a couple of hours of sleep with the feeling of anxiety, suffocation and breathlessness as well as a decreased exercise tolerance and swollen ankles is normally a result of heart failure. Additionally you may find it beneficial to sleep on the side, avoid alcohol, sleeping pills or any drugs that make you drowsy. If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, you should undergo a sleep test performed by a sleep doctor. Sleep apnea normally occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat relaxes, but may also be a result of excess tissue, weak airway muscles or the position of the jaw.

The pause in breathing that can range from a few seconds to over a minute causes you to wake up gasping for air. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder whereby the airways are obstructed. Read on to find out what may be causing this symptom and what you can do to alleviate it. Do you find that you often wake up breathless? There are a number of reasons why this may occur, ranging from simple nasal congestion to a life threatening condition such as heart failure. However, many people have some issues with sleep and may actually wake up several times a night, with or without some other symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, etc. A good night's sleep is important for daily performance.

Waking up suddenly from a deep sleep