Three signs that appear at night during sleep can be a signal of the presence of cancer in a person.

3) Difficulty breathing or chest tightness

Description:  Shortness of breath or feeling of “choking” when lying down.

Possible causes:  obstructive sleep apnea; heart disease; lung disease or tumors that compress the airways.

When to act:  If breathing problems persist or worsen, seek medical help immediately.

What to do if you notice these symptoms

• Symptom monitoring:  Keep a symptom diary to record frequency, intensity, and other accompanying characteristics.

• Consult a doctor:  Effective management of serious health problems requires early detection.

• Improve sleep hygiene:  While treating the underlying causes, prioritize a conducive sleep environment.