Sleep Apnea
Dreamer: George, age 29 American
I have been having this same dream over and over again. It only lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. When it starts out I'm fine, talking and laughing, at someone's house I've never been to before. Then I'm walking home and it feels like a hundred miles. But after about two steps I get out of breath, gasping for air; it feels like I'm suffocating in my sleep. Now if that isn't bad enough, I then fall to the ground paralyzed. I try to drag myself, but I can't. At this point I'm starting to get really scared, I see myself dying. Then I wake up in a cold sweat checking to see if I'm alive. I would really like to know what this dream or nightmare means. Thanks
Mr. Hagen's Reply: Sleep Apnea
Do you have problems sleeping? It sounds like an episode of apnea (when a person stops breathing during sleep) which is then manifesting itself in your dream. The word apnea literally means "without breath". Sleep apnea is more common than one might believe. The best way to start is to consult your family physician and discuss your symptoms.
I am also providing a link to the American Sleep Apnea Association for more information.
Hope these thoughts are of help and provide some insight,
Mark H.