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Woke up with heart racing so fast

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Posted 5/17/2016 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi guys. My first time here. I woke up tonight with my heart beating extremely fast. I have never had it beat so fast. I thought for sure I was about to have a heart attack.

The reason I woke up was because my son started crying. Hes 1 year old. But this happens often and I've never had this happen with my heart.

I do believe I have some form of sleep apnea. Trouble breathing through my nose especially at night and I snore. I also have times where my body is asleep but mind awake and i stop breathing and have to fight very hard to wake up so I breathe finally. Its like being under water and you are fighting to reach the surface and when you finally do you take a huge gasp for air.

Its quite scary. But what happened tonight was a whole new occurrence. My heart was beating like a high hat so fast.

I saw some info online that was pretty helpful which explains how 80% of the night your heart rate and blood pressure are very slow and the other 20% when you are in a dream state it is faster. Also linking the heart rate to OSA.

Here is the link. Anyone have any advice?

John

http://sleepcenter.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id
Posted 5/17/2016 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

Sorry to hear you are dealing with sleep issues/were awakened with a start. I know how this feels, and it is disturbing to be sure.

Is this something that only occurs at night? Or do you have challenges with anxiety whilst awake as well?

If this is strictly at night...then I would encourage you to explore sleep apnea...and possibly sleep paralysis as well through a sleep study. You do sound as if you could have symptoms common to both of these sleep issues...

...if you have trouble with anxiety in general...I would encourage you to seek help through your doctor if you've not done so already. You can discuss treatment options such as medication and/or therapy, to feel your best.

In either case...this link for self help in our Resources can help manage the symptoms you describe in your post. The 'Stress Relieving Exercises' are excellent at reducing the physical effects such as a racing heart. Learn and practice them, so you are ready if this happens again.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Wishing you the best...and inviting you to post with us anytime for anxiety support!

S.C.
Posted 5/17/2016 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you very much. Yes I have anxiety during the day too. But this rapid heart beat happened tonight for the first time. I can't stress enough just how fast it was beating! It was so scary. My doctor retired and I havent gotten a new one yet. Been so busy taking care of my family and not taking care of myself enough I guess.


I'll check out the links you sent and do my best to get a new doctor.

Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

John
Posted 5/17/2016 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sure...check out the self help for now!


...and get in for a consult with a new doctor when you can.:)

Tachycardia is not unusual with anxiety, so try not to worry about it and add to your stress...

Keep posting with us if you find it helpful.:)

S.C.
Posted 5/17/2016 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
JDS,
You didn't mention your physical health other than the fact that you have taken care of your family and not yourself and that you believe you have sleep apnea. I'm guessing you were born in 82? since you have that number after your initials?

It constantly amazes me how many times stress can mimic the symptoms of severe illnesses. It can actually be really annoying going to the doctor or ER being sure you are near death only to find out you are just experiencing another bout of stress. I imagine everyone on this thread could tell you stories of their experiences.

It is frustrating to have these problems, but the different methods they have in the resources and that you can talk with a counselor about can be extremely helpful - especially in times when your heart is racing or you are feeling severe anxiety.

I hope you are feeling better very soon!
Posted 5/17/2016 5:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have chronic sleep apnea and also anxiety ,depression.

There are nights I wake up with racing heart and cannot go back to sleep.
It has to do with me waking up in sweat.

I guess that's a part of chronic anxiety.

Heart palpitations are common with me now a days.i take Xanax to calm me down .

I am trying to get heart checked and ruled out as well.
Do check with PCP to rule out any heart condition as well.

Keep posting.Hope you find support you looking for here.
Posted 5/17/2016 11:11 PM (GMT 0)
I used to wake up with shortness of breath, and racing heart, I had to hold my breath to calm my breathing and heart down, I used to always blame this on over eating before bed, but I always went back to sleep. I never seen the doctor about this, but now I know I have anxiety problems hope this doesn't mess up my Mind.
Posted 5/17/2016 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the replies. It's very helpful hearing your responses and personal experiences.

I am otherwise healthy. Had a motorcycle in 2006 and have pain issues ever since. Also some concussion problems, battled severe depression and anxiety ever since approx 2007.

John
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