What causes numbness and shortness of breath upon falling asleep, and what should be done about it?

Generally, experiencing numbness all over the body and difficulty breathing during sleep may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions such as sleep apnea syndrome or diabetes. Appropriate treatment should be based on the specific cause. Details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If the blanket is too heavy or the body is under pressure while sleeping, it may lead to numbness and breathlessness upon falling asleep. Symptoms usually improve after changing the blanket or removing the source of pressure, and no special treatment is required.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Sleep Apnea Syndrome

This is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that often causes snoring, breathing pauses, suffocation, and frequent awakenings due to poor sleep quality, which may result in the aforementioned symptoms. Patients are advised to control their diet and weight, engage in moderate exercise, and avoid excessive fatigue. They should quit smoking and alcohol, and avoid taking sedatives or sleeping pills. Sleeping in a lateral position and slightly elevating the head of the bed are recommended. If necessary, low-flow oxygen therapy may also be used.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels due to multiple causes. It may lead to symptoms such as numbness in the limbs. Patients are advised to manage their diet, exercise appropriately, and take medications such as gliclazide modified-release tablets or acarbose tablets as prescribed by a doctor.

In addition, other possible causes include bronchial asthma, anemia, heart failure, etc. Patients should seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort to avoid delays in treatment. Additionally, maintaining a light diet and ensuring adequate rest are recommended in daily life.