Is this just anxiety?

Crackles23

Regular Member

Joined : Jan 2011

Posts : 96

Posted 9/5/2011 9:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hello guys,

I'm currently posting here because I have been having some issues falling asleep, someone said that it could be sleep apnea, however I wanted to come here and ask because I have a history of anxiety attacks.

As I fall asleep and just first enter the first sleep cycle, I get woken up with a strange grinding chest sensation. Strange thing is, I don't get this any other time during the day or while I'm awake. Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm not looking for self diagnosis, which just like to narrow some things down before I go see my GP about it so I can throw afew things at him and see what he thinks.

Kind Regards

David.

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 9/6/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Crackles, IDK if this could be part of the falling asleep process called a hypnic jerk...muscle twitches and jumps often occur just as one starts to drift off, but I have usually experienced them in my limbs, not chest.

Of course everyone is different. Could it have anything to do with your A.S. or have you changed meds recently? Also consider Gerd. It could be that as you lie down, the stomach acid comes up into the chest causing a churning sensation.

I hope that you get the answers that you need soon. It is awful to be woken up just as you are falling asleep. Hopefully you are able to go back to sleep easily afterward!

Let us know how you are doing soon,
Scaredy Cat

Hibee

Forum Moderator

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 7935

Posted 9/6/2011 8:30 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Crackles

Welcome to the A/P forum. Anxiety can cause sleep problems which tend to be either difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts or waking up early. I have had bad sleeping issues but have not experienced what you described but would say go and talk to your GP about this.

Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause chest problems so it may be something to do with that I only know this as I am currently getting tested for this condition and have done some research.

Hibee

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