I've been up for almost 24 hours, im having some trouble breathing, how can I fall asleep?
Go see a doctor?
Call a triage nurse ... you must be having an anxiety attack ;-(
This happens to me sometimes too, maybe once a year. Hopefully you don't have to go to work next! Don't drive in that condition. Usually trying to read in bed is effective for me. Or a shot of whiskey. Of course the lights should be off and you are in a dark place, and comfortably horizontal. Good luck.
It's OK. You are having an anxiety attack. Try to relax. Find a comfortable position and try to breath normally. It's going to be OK. Don't take anything meds or alcohol wise. If it gets worse, call someone professional. It usually goes away after some time.
Also, do you regularly take any medicine that can could cause this as a side effect?
E: Jannabear, you should stay away from thinking and focusing specific subjects that makes you upset at least for some time. Go out. Have a walk. Concentrate on trivial things. Sitting in front of the computer all day and reading about what pisses you off only makes you feel worse and worse.
Sounds more like sleep-apnia to me. See a doctor either way.
If you have a blood pressure cuff, check your blood pressure. Other would be headaches or rapid heartbeat. If you feel pain in your limbs, especially your left arm, take an aspirin immediately and consider going to the ER. At the least, see a doctor.
If it is an anxiety attack, blood pressure is a concern. Any other symptoms- numbness in your extremities for example, is a tell tale. Also consider Type 2 Diabetes. If you have a family history or are overweight, or swelling in your limbs, Diabetes is a possibility.
Cardiovascular issues tend to be inter related. Diabetes goes with high blood pressure. Anxiety attacks can have a variety of causes. But from your description that may or may not be the problem. In any case, see a doctor.
(Note: I was an advanced first aid instructor for a few years and also have been a caregiver to a woman with MS for 21 years. I have some experience in these areas. )
In the UK you can buy over the counter sleeping tablets, like nytol, there herbal so it might be worth looking into that at the pharmacist. But yes if it keeps but talk to your doctor.
It's insomnia from what you describe. I've had it off and on for years and even went 5 days without sleep once. Could be age related. Young people require less sleep than us old fuckers.. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to breath among other ailments that feel worse without sleep. I still go 24 without sleep quite often then catch up later in the week and end up sleeping around the clock.. Folks are right though.. Go see a doctor if for no other reason than to have the opportunity to spend all that money you have stashed under the mattress..