Can you have apnea events sitting up?

I was just thinking, if for some reason I accidentally fell asleep sitting up, i.e., in a recliner, is it possible to have apnea events in that position?

Yes, it is. It's not all about gravity.

That's what I thought. I guess it's about gravity AND mechanics.

Thanks, LoQ.

Yesterday I fell asleep whilst sitting up in my armchair. When I woke my hands were both numb.

Now I know a bit more my guess is that I might be having apneas, and the blood supply to my hands has been decreased, therefore causing the numbness.

Other than that, there are other causes that can be connected to stopping breathing at any time and in any position. The thread "Does Non-Sleep Apnea Exist" has some thoughts on this.

That was how my wife first discovered I had sleep apnea: me sleeping in a chair during the day. Apparently I thought breathing was optional...

I'm at my worst when sitting up napping, can't go more than a minute or two before having an event.

When you sleep sitting up your head is likely to roll forward which actually further restricts the airways (if you have ever done a first aid course you will recall that you always tilt the head back when giving mouth to mouth to open the airways).

Your hands might have been numb if your neck was in an awkward position while asleep, nothing to do with OSA.

I can start snoring while I am awake, other times I will take a deep gasp and realize I hadn't been breathing.

tattooyu wrote:I was just thinking, if for some reason I accidentally fell asleep sitting up, i.e., in a recliner, is it possible to have apnea events in that position?

Absolutely yes it is. Waking up gasping for air while asleep in a recliner is what alarmed me to the point of seeking help. And these are home theatre chairs that don't even go back that far. My OSA remained well-hidden for years because I am predominantly a side-sleeper, and I've never awakened gasping for air on my side. But back sleeping or a recliner will do it every time now, and it doesn't seem to take long either.

Thanks everyone. I'm not trying to get around my CPAP, which I'm grateful for, but I was just curious.