Anxiety attacks during sleep

Options
Neliel
Neliel Posts: 507 Member
in Motivation and Support
I wondered if anyone else has had the bizarre experiences im about to describe when trying to sleep.
For a few nights now, whenever ive started to drift off to sleep i get a loud vibrating buzzing sound in my head that gets louder and louder until i try to shake it off. Then it just starts again.
Last night, however it was different. I started to drift off and i suddenly got this really unpleasant rushing tingling sensation in my limbs and front of my head. It was really prominent in the front of my head and temporarily rendered me unable to move or breath. It just kept happening whenever i started to drift off. So i hardly slept last night and woke up feeling nervous. The net tells me its the symptoms of a panic or anxiety attack.

Has anyone had this before?

Replies

  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Options
    I think this is something you need to speak to your Doctor about! I would not seek advise on fitnesspal.
    Maybe you need something to relax you. Call today.
  • irishgal44
    irishgal44 Posts: 1,181 Member
    Options
    WEIRD!! I've never heard anyone describe it to perfection like this until now. I used to have this happen - it's awful. You seriously try and get out of it and you can't. It used to happen to me when I was a kid all the way up to early 20's. I haven't had it happen since. No clue what it is. Sadly, I've experienced an anxiety attack and that's not what that is. I often wonder if a sleep disorder specialist would have some insight on it.

    Buzzing sound, etc, etc...I experienced everything you described. Again...no clue what it is. Hope you will grow out of it like I did. Cause it's scarey!! How often does it happen to you? Mine were few and far between, but completely memorable.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    Options
    I get panic attacks when I try to go to sleep, but I think you would know if it was as it's more than tingling, it's like full on flight or fight response, your heart rate goes through the roof and you feel cold all over. Well I do, anyway. They are the worst feeling in the world.
  • barbarajean3
    barbarajean3 Posts: 132 Member
    Options
    That is not a panic attack please go see a doctor. Sounds like your bp is droping and your trying to pass out.
  • rfcollins33
    rfcollins33 Posts: 630
    Options
    Yes, I have. Look up night terrors. I think it's actually when your mind and body are shutting off at different times. It's not uncommon. I also had it happen to me waking up a lot. A lot of people describe it like someone is sitting on their chest and they can't get up, move, or scream. It's not so uncommon. There was a large study and eventually a documentary done in Britain on them.
  • Neliel
    Neliel Posts: 507 Member
    Options
    My heart was going insane too. I dont think the doctor will do much. In my experience, they just dont care what youre going through.
  • irishgal44
    irishgal44 Posts: 1,181 Member
    Options
    Would make sense if they are night terrors, especially since people can and often do grow out of them. I remember I used to try and scream...nothing. And then I would be terrified to go back to sleep.

    It wouldn't hurt to call your doctor and see what he/she has to say. Could be a blood pressure thing like another member said, and it doesn't hurt to rule that out. But honestly...I think it probably is a night terror kind of thing. Praying my 3 kids don't have to deal with that. :(
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Options
    My heart was going insane too. I dont think the doctor will do much. In my experience, they just dont care what youre going through.

    Honey if your Doctor doesn't care about those symptoms, FIND ANOTHR DOCTOR. Ask your insurance co to give you some names of Doctors in your area. Ask friends and family or co workers who they see and if they like them. Call the office and talk to the staff before you make the appointment to feel them out. If the staff is caring the Doctor will be too! Or get to the ER. You need to be seen by someone. To me it sounds Electro-Cardio related.
  • Jentorres8814
    Jentorres8814 Posts: 121 Member
    Options
    I used to be agoraphobic ( 2 years ) . what your describing doesn't sound like an anxiety or panic attack. You should go to the ER if you can't rely on your Dr and have them run some tests. Did this just start happening since you've started loosing weight? Maybe your loosing weight to fast and its straining on your heart. Take a look back at your food diary's and see if you notice sumthing out of the ordinary... I wish you the best of luck.
  • FearAnLoathing
    FearAnLoathing Posts: 4,852 Member
    Options
    It sounds like sleep paralysis,which I get.

    http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9806
  • Goal_Seeker_1988
    Goal_Seeker_1988 Posts: 1,619 Member
    Options
    Back in 2006 when I was suffering from anixety for bout 6 months I'd go thru that at night alot, they ended up prescribing benadryl to help me sleep.

    If I may add, even now between fallin asleep and my body fallin asleep at times I can feel my breathing slowing down and my body tryin to relax and my mind still wide awake. which causes me to panic and my heart rate starts racing from anixety.

    Your doctor should take you seriously if you explain your symtoms... They may even send you to the hospital for an overnight stay where they can evualte your sleep... They have a sleep apneia at my local hospital where they study you as you sleep. I'd check into that with your doc and take it from there.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Options
    Honey if your Doctor doesn't care about those symptoms, FIND ANOTHR DOCTOR. Ask your insurance co to give you some names of Doctors in your area. Ask friends and family or co workers who they see and if they like them. Call the office and talk to the staff before you make the appointment to feel them out. If the staff is caring the Doctor will be too! Or get to the ER. You need to be seen by someone. To me it sounds Electro-Cardio related.

    This! Not sure about what might be causing the problem but I'd go see a doc about it immediately. Sorry you've had bad experience with doctors in the past - I can relate by proxy as DH has this same issue - but it's up to you to take control of the situation and be more assertive about your own well-being. You obviously care about your own health or you wouldn't be a member of this site, right?

    Please take care of yourself!
  • FearAnLoathing
    FearAnLoathing Posts: 4,852 Member
    Options
    Sleep Paralysis Symptoms
    The common symptoms of sleep paralysis disorder include:
    •Sensations of hearing noises or smells
    •Audio and visual hallucinations
    •Feelings of levitation
    •Inability to move the body
    •Heavy pressure on the chest
    •Feelings of terror
    •Images of frightening intruders
    Sleep Paralysis Causes
    While it is commonly observed in teenagers, this medical condition can happen to men and women of any age. In fact it is believed that four out of every 10 people may have sleep paralysis. It may also be a hereditary condition that runs in the family. The other causes of sleep paralysis may include:
    •Insomnia or Sleep Deprivation
    •Sleep schedule that changes
    •Jet lag
    •Sudden environmental or lifestyle changes
    •Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
    •Sleeping on the back
    •Use of certain medications
    •Substance abuse
    In addition to these sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy which is usually a medical condition to describe an overpowering need to sleep caused by the inability of the brain to regulate sleep.

    Sleep Paralysis Treatment
    Most people do not need to be treated for the sleep paralysis symptoms. An underlying medical condition like narcolepsy when medically treated, may help you when you are anxious or unable to sleep well. In addition to this you may want to try out sleep paralysis treatments such as:
    •Improving sleep habits and making sure you get 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night
    •Antidepressant medication may be prescribed to regulate sleep cycles
    •Treating any underlying mental health problems
    •Treating any other sleep disorders
    Did you know that sleep paralysis has a number of names, like the "old hag" in Newfoundland, "kokma" in the West Indies (for a ghost baby who jumps on the sleeper's chest and attacks the throat), "kanashibari" in Japan and "gui ya" or ghost pressure in China. Although it might be fanciful to associate the sleep paralysis experiences and symptoms with evil spirits and aliens, remember that this is a normal medical condition. To control this disorder you can make sure that you get enough sleep and re-establish the normal REM patterns. Also try to relieve stress especially just before bedtime and try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back.
  • Imthatg1rl
    Imthatg1rl Posts: 109
    Options
    My heart was going insane too. I dont think the doctor will do much. In my experience, they just dont care what youre going through.
    You haven't found the right doctor. It has taken me a while to find one I really trust and like.
    Panic attacks feel like an elephant sitting on your chest, you hyperventilate and your heart feels like it is racing, and going to just jump out of your chest. I have had dizziness even disturbances in my vision.
    Even though you may think it's nothing more than a panic attack it's advisable you see a doctor.
    Good luck
  • azmomof2
    azmomof2 Posts: 714 Member
    Options
    It sounds like sleep paralysis,which I get.

    http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=9806

    Agree with this! Been there done that and yes it's a very scary feeling but when I started researching it and realized what it was I was able to calm down more easily whan it started to happen. Also it happend mainly when going through times of immense stress and I rarely have them now. But that being said if you have a doctor and insurance it is worth mentioning as he/she may have some tips. Good luck!
  • oJoyGasmic
    oJoyGasmic Posts: 21
    Options
    I suffer with anxiety when I sleep, but mine is due to my heart palpitations. I hear my heart skipping a beat and I panic. I had blood tests but the doctors cannot pin point why I have them. You should speak to your GP.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Options
    It could be a cardiac arrhythmia and should not be diagnosed on myfitnesspal. you need to see a Doctor!
    If it is an arrhythmia you could be at risk for sudden cardiac death.
  • britneybowen
    britneybowen Posts: 26 Member
    Options
    My husband has had them before. It is a pretty scary thing! Supposedly he thinks it is a demon?! Like rcollins said, look up night terrors. and PRAY :) lol
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Options
    OMG Really! Demons?

    Don't take advise from anyone but your Doctor. Have you spoken to anyone yet?
  • Neliel
    Neliel Posts: 507 Member
    Options
    Pfft. Demons. I've looked up all of those suggestions and there's a LOT about out of body experiences, abduction and demons. That's only an explanation for people too short-sighted to look for a medical or scientific answer. There is ALWAYS a scientific answer but for far too many people, demonic possession and OBE's is about as far as their brains can be pushed.
    It's shocking really. Are people still living in the middle-ages or something?

Categories