Daily 10,000 steps of walking is excellent for both physical and mental health, and it is a great habit â keep it up. Shortness of breath when lying down to sleep but not during sleep or activity is often related to anxiety, which can cause breathlessness through hyperventilation patterns and heightened body awareness at rest. Anxiety tablets will help, but slow deep breathing exercises (diaphragmatic breathing) practiced daily can significantly reduce this symptom over time.
Next Steps
Continue the walking and anxiety medication as prescribed. Practice slow breathing â inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6 â for 5-10 minutes before sleep. If the breathlessness worsens, or you develop chest pain or breathlessness during activity, get a cardiac evaluation done. Please consult me directly on Practo for a detailed evaluation.