Insomnia and hyperventilation

Hyperventilation affects the whole body, and as part of this, it agitates the nervous system. This can result in the following symptoms that are unlikely to encourage sound sleep:

• Pins and needles in the hands, face and feet
• A sense of being disoriented
• An inability to think properly
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  Seizures
• Headaches

In addition to the nervous system being affected, nightmares are linked to hyperventilation, the heart may beat rapidly or irregularly, muscles can cramp, the stomach protests, urination may increase, and an underlying sense of impending doom, or that all is not right in the world is common.

It is likely that you are hyperventilating when you sleep if you often breathe through your mouth when you are sleeping, or if you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat.  Take the test to make sure.