What side do you lay on for shortness of breath?

Lying on your left side with your head elevated may be enough to keep you comfortable through the night, but if it’s not, experiment by adding a pillow between your legs. Adding the pillow may keep your spine stable throughout the night and may improve your sleep posture, which can help you breathe easily.

Why do I wheeze when I lie on my left side?

Wheezing while lying down is a common symptom of conditions such as asthma. It can also be the result of anxiety at night, GERD, or obesity. Some people may have a combination of several conditions. For example, those with GERD and asthma may find that acid reflux triggers their asthma symptoms when lying down.

What is the best position to sleep for your lungs?

Side: Side-sleeping, which is the most common position for adults, helps to open our airways to allow for steady airflow to the lungs. If you snore or have sleep apnea, this may be the best choice for you. However, because your face pushes against the pillow, side-sleeping may cause wrinkles.

Can’t breathe when I lay down to sleep?

Your lungs may be unable to process the intake of oxygen or your heart may not able to pump blood effectively. Shortness of breath when you lie down is called orthopnea. When the symptom occurs after a few hours of sleep, it is called paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Can’t sleep because I can’t breathe?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) It occurs when the soft tissues in your throat relax, which can close your airway and cause a temporarily stop to breathing (apneic episode). The result is usually an abrupt disturbance to sleep or an actual awakening, often accompanied by gasping or choking.

Is it asthma or heart problems?

Asthma is not heart failure. Heart failure is not asthma. The treatment for both conditions is different. Still, they both share common symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

How do you treat breathing problems while sleeping?

Elevate the head of your bed by four to six inches, or elevate your body from the waist up by using a foam wedge or special cervical pillow. Open your nasal passages at night by using a nasal dilator, saline spray, breathing strips, or a nasal irrigation system (neti pot).