Why do I breathe heavy when sleeping?

Why do I breathe heavy when sleeping?

Sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM), also leads to lower muscle tone around the airway, Morgenthaler added. In other words, the muscles that support the airway relax, allowing the breathing tube to constrict. When the airway gets narrower, the velocity of the air moving through it increases.

What is heavy breathing a symptom of?

Lung conditions Share on Pinterest Heavy breathing may be a sign of a lung condition, such as COPD. The lungs and heart work together to supply the muscles and organs with oxygen-rich blood. For this reason, a problem with the lungs can also lead to heavy breathing.