Waking up coughing, choking, and with a dry mouth are classic signs that could point to sleep apnea, which is a known comorbidity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Research shows that people with AS are at a significantly increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
There are a few reasons why AS can Show Full Answer
Waking up coughing, choking, and with a dry mouth are classic signs that could point to sleep apnea, which is a known comorbidity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Research shows that people with AS are at a significantly increased risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
There are a few reasons why AS can contribute to this:
- Inflammation and changes in the cervical spine can compress nerve centers that control breathing
- AS can affect the jaw joint (TMJ), making it harder to breathe normally during sleep
- The throat and airway can become physically compressed, limiting airflow
The risk appears to increase with age (especially over 35) and longer disease duration (5+ years). It's really worth bringing these symptoms up with your doctor or rheumatologist. They may refer you for a sleep study to get a clearer picture of what's happening overnight.
If sleep apnea is confirmed, there are several management options, including:
- Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight
- CPAP therapy — a machine that keeps airways open during sleep (many MySpondylitisTeam members have found real relief with this)
- Treating the underlying AS more aggressively, which may also help improve sleep
- Surgery in more severe cases, though this is typically a last resort
Don't ignore these symptoms — poor sleep can actually worsen spondylitis symptoms and affect mood, memory, and energy levels. Getting checked out sooner rather than later is a smart move! 😊
May 16
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