Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatment

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Sleep-related laryngospasm is a vocal cord spasm that takes place during sleep. The muscles and soft tissues surrounding thelarynx, or voice box, contract or swell and narrow the passage, interrupting airflow.

An individual experiencing sleep-related laryngospasm may suddenly awaken with a choking sensation, breathing difficulties, andstridor, a high-pitched sound associated with a blocked airway.

This article discusses possible causes of sleep-related laryngospasm, including nocturnal heartburn, medication use, and viralinfections. It also reviews symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact your healthcare provider.

For most individuals, sleep-related laryngospasms tend to only occur one to three times a year.

Sleep-related laryngospasm is not always due to an underlying condition. However, when it is, it is often because something irritated the larynx.

Less Common Causes

Less often, sleep-related laryngospasm may be associated with:

Symptoms associated with sleep-related laryngospasm include:

A sleep-related laryngospasm episode can be terrifying and lead to an individual feeling scared to go to sleep at night.

When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderBecause sleep-related laryngospasm episodes may be associated with other underlying conditions and can impact your ability to fall asleep, as well as your quality of sleep, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice symptoms.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Because sleep-related laryngospasm episodes may be associated with other underlying conditions and can impact your ability to fall asleep, as well as your quality of sleep, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice symptoms.

Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of your vocal cord spasms during sleep.

To determine the type of treatment that will work best for your needs, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, as well as conduct additional tests to determine the most likely cause.

They may also conduct adiagnostic sleep studyfor additional clarity.

Once you receive a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will recommend appropriate treatment options.

For example, if heartburn is triggering sleep-related laryngospasm, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, antacids, or other medications.

Heartburn Relief: Natural Antacids, Medication, Prevention

Difficulty Sleeping

Summary

Sleep-related laryngospasm episodes, or vocal cord spasms, are most often associated with heartburn, GERD, certain medications, and viral infections. Symptoms may include stridor, difficulty talking and breathing, as well as a choking feeling.

If you suspect you may have this condition, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible so you can receive appropriate care.

4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Science Direct.Larynx spasm.Seo WH, Park M, Eun SH, Rhie S, Song DJ, Chae KY.My child cannot breathe while sleeping: a report of three cases and review.BMC Pediatr. 2017;17(1):169. doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0922-9O’Shea, R., Gaffney, M., Kaare, M.et al.Laryngopharyngeal reflux induced sleep-related laryngospasm.Ir J Med Sci(2022). doi:10.1007/s11845-022-02934-xAmerican Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

4 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Science Direct.Larynx spasm.Seo WH, Park M, Eun SH, Rhie S, Song DJ, Chae KY.My child cannot breathe while sleeping: a report of three cases and review.BMC Pediatr. 2017;17(1):169. doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0922-9O’Shea, R., Gaffney, M., Kaare, M.et al.Laryngopharyngeal reflux induced sleep-related laryngospasm.Ir J Med Sci(2022). doi:10.1007/s11845-022-02934-xAmerican Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Science Direct.Larynx spasm.Seo WH, Park M, Eun SH, Rhie S, Song DJ, Chae KY.My child cannot breathe while sleeping: a report of three cases and review.BMC Pediatr. 2017;17(1):169. doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0922-9O’Shea, R., Gaffney, M., Kaare, M.et al.Laryngopharyngeal reflux induced sleep-related laryngospasm.Ir J Med Sci(2022). doi:10.1007/s11845-022-02934-xAmerican Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Science Direct.Larynx spasm.

Seo WH, Park M, Eun SH, Rhie S, Song DJ, Chae KY.My child cannot breathe while sleeping: a report of three cases and review.BMC Pediatr. 2017;17(1):169. doi:10.1186/s12887-017-0922-9

O’Shea, R., Gaffney, M., Kaare, M.et al.Laryngopharyngeal reflux induced sleep-related laryngospasm.Ir J Med Sci(2022). doi:10.1007/s11845-022-02934-x

American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

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