Opioids can slow or stop your breathing while you sleep.

Opioids are powerful medicines prescribed to treat pain. They work by attaching to receptors in the brain that block pain signals and calm the body. But opioids also block the receptors in your brain that signal your body to breathe. This opioid-induced respiratory depression can cause your breathing to slow and even stop. A lack of oxygen, even for 3-5 minutes, can deprive your brain and other vital organs of oxygen and cause severe harm and death.¹ Respiratory depression can happen in the hospital, or at home, and is most dangerous when you are alone or asleep.