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Strange headrush/fainting feeling when falling asleep? HELP!

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Posted 5/9/2013 8:57 AM (GMT 0)
This just started happening two nights ago. See, whenever I'm about to fall asleep, it'll feel like a mini-adrenaline rush mixed with a headrush and it will make me up, after that I start freaking out because I think I'll die in my sleep or something. This didn't happen last night, but it happened tonight and the night before last night. I don't know what's going on, but it's keeping me up. I'm 13 and I have a huge state test tomorrow, and I need to get to sleep but I can't. Whenever I'm about to fall asleep, I'll get the darn headrush and it will freak me out so bad that I won't go back to sleep until a few hours later when I've calmed myself down.

The first time this occurred, I had a major panic attack afterwards, but right now I'm more creeped out then I am in a panic state. To sum it up, it feels like a sudden brief dizziness mixed with a head rush and feeling that I'm going to faint. I never faint, but that's what it feels like. This is really starting to scare me. Is this anxiety related? Has anyone else experienced this? What do I do?

(Sorry if my grammar sucks, it's 2:00 AM and I'm tired.)
Posted 5/9/2013 9:10 AM (GMT 0)
I have had this before a big test before. I have bad test anxiety but only for huge test. I actually had to test in a room by myself because I would throw up during it. I have really bad anxiety and I have the same thin happen just on anything I'm nervous about. Try looking up some breathing techniques that helps sometimes or taking a hot bath if you still can't sleep.
Posted 5/9/2013 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
You've woken up every day for 13 years. Even before your panic and when you were a baby you slept and woke. This is a normal human response.
Posted 5/9/2013 9:15 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not really that nervous about the test. To be honest, the only thing that I'm really nervous about are these headrushes. I don't know what's causing them, why they're happening or anything. I told my mom, but she just said I needed water, but I've been drinking water all day. I just don't know..
Posted 5/9/2013 9:28 AM (GMT 0)

Joshua88 said...
You've woken up every day for 13 years. Even before your panic and when you were a baby you slept and woke. This is a normal human response.

I think you're talking about the twitch that we sometimes get when we're about to fall asleep. I know that's normal, but this isn't. This has never happened to me before.
Posted 5/9/2013 2:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Austin and welcome.

I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. It is scary and confusing!

Have you had any anxiety or panic issues before these events? I ask because if this is something new, then I would urge you to see a doctor, just to be on the safe side. Any new symptom, though likely anxiety related, should be checked out by a physician.

That said, this sounds very familiar to me! I have had this quite often, and is part of what is known as nocturnal anxiety. As the body starts to relax, the anxiety kicks in...it is very oppurtunistic. We compartmentalize and compress our stress all day long. We adapt and get good at pushing it down...well it is eventually going to surface. Either during our waking hours, in a panic attack...or in a sleep state, as what you are most likely describing. (and btw, you don't necessarily have to feel stressed to have anxiety)

When you go to the doctor and discuss this issue, find out what your treatment options are if you feel you need help with this problem.

For now, check out our Resource Guide here on the main page (1st post) It is full of great ideas for stress relief. Try the breathing and progresssive muscle relaxation exercises, as well as the meditation links a couple of times a day, especially before bed time.

I hope that this gives you a plan and some peace of mind. Post with us here anytime, and let us know how you are doing soon, okay?

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/9/2013 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
I had this headrush once when my anxiety is at its peak. I remember being worried throughout the day and having endless thoughts about my health. I was lying down on a high pillow for so long, it started with a little headache that made me aware that my head was having a restricted blood flow or wasn't having proper blood circulation and when I stood up from my position, I suddenly felt like a rush of blood at the back of my neck and for a second gave me the fainting feeling. After the fainting feeling came the mild panic because it happened to me for the first time. It raised my BP that night for several hours. I'm not sure but maybe it's due to my anxiety level that made me to breathe shallow the whole day which I'm not even aware of. When I worry too much I also get the lightheaded feeling and dizzy spells. The headrush felt like when you're finishing your soda with a straw. The straw (nerve at the back of my neck until midway down my spine) making a sound when you sip the soda with air that produces little vibrations. The difference is that my neck or nerve didn't make sounds when it happened.
Posted 7/3/2014 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
I am having the same problem. I am 53, I have a panic disorder that I take Ativan for and I feel like this started not long after I started it. I only take half a mg. I know that panic sets in if I get over tired and this fainting thing happens. Sometimes though I am not panic feeling at all. I just take my meds then go to sleep ....I usually am really sleepy once I take Ativan . I have plenty of allergies as well so sometimes I take a children's benedryl too. It's for itching. I only take the children's dose because I don't want to mix too much meds. I will fall asleep and feel so good and sleepy and then just when I am sleeping I feel like I'm going to faint or even worse die. I tell my family I am not falling asleep but falling to death. It feels like I'm becoming unconscious. Then I realize it is scary where I'm heading and I wake myself up somehow....I wake up to a super speeding heart rate and I'm out of breath. Sometimes I have a skipping, flipping heart. I hate going to sleep now , every time I am afraid I will die. Most times I go to sleep and sleep very well but wake to esophageal spasms that make me feel like I did crunches in my sleep all night. I don't know what this is but it's super scary. I find if I just give up trying to sleep it helps. I get up and play solitaire or bejeweled ....it gets me over it. Then later I go to sleep fine. I really think I may have a neurological problem.
Posted 7/3/2014 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Lbdye and welcome!

I am sorry that you are dealing with this issue currently! No fun.:(

A couple of things come to mind...

Have you talked to your doctor regarding this? You mention a possible corresponding onset with your Ativan start up, perhaps you should mention this as a possible side effect, and your dosage or timing could be adjusted?

The other thing that could help is some decompression/stress relieving exercises done before sleep time.

In our Resources we have a big collection of self-help tools to check out. Doing these before bed could relax your body and mind enough that the symptom will lessen (if it turns out to be anxiety) and you can get a peaceful night's rest.:)

Find our Resource Guide here on the forums main page, 1st thread.

Post with us anytime! (and consider starting your own thread of introduction next time, so we can officially welcome you.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/28/2014 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
This has been happening to me as well, but in addition to the dizzy feeling, when I wake up (startled from being dizzy) my heart is pounding very very very hard and fast. Sometimes my hands get tingly, and often my hands and arms will twitch afterwards when I'm trying to calm myself down. I also wake up from sleep apnea (? Haven't been to a doctor to confirm I have this, but I've basically just been waking up from not breathing, usually on my back.)

Also- I've felt this feeling when I was awake before too, when u was traveling, post a music festival. It was very very scary and I truly feared I was going to die. I would feel dizzy but almost like I was sinking away, and like my head was buzzing. It could have been a lack of sleep combined with not eating much and traveling but it's comparable to how I feel falling asleep sometimes but worse. So I guess I'm asking if anyone else has felt this while awake too?

Do these symptoms sound similar to anyone else? Should I see a doctor for anxiety? I'm admittedly a hypochondriac, so I scare myself into thinking the worst, but I also have a history of high stress (not sure if I'd class it as anxiety or anxiety attacks though).

Post Edited (ZBean92) : 9/28/2014 12:19:16 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/28/2014 2:11 PM (GMT 0)
HiZbean and welcome

Yes, definitley set up an appointment with your doctor and get up to date with a check up.

You can discuss your symptoms there at that time...as well as the possibility of sleep apnea. You will also want to make sure that things such as your BP and BGL's are within healthy range...as all of these things can contribute to the sensations that you describe.

If all check out well from a physical angle, then you can move toward treating the anxiety.

If it does turn out to be an anxiety issue, come on back and we will be here to support you. We do understand, care, and have lots of great members and resources available for help.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/28/2014 7:21 PM (GMT 0)

ZBean92 said...
This has been happening to me as well, but in addition to the dizzy feeling, when I wake up (startled from being dizzy) my heart is pounding very very very hard and fast. Sometimes my hands get tingly, and often my hands and arms will twitch afterwards when I'm trying to calm myself down. I also wake up from sleep apnea (? Haven't been to a doctor to confirm I have this, but I've basically just been waking up from not breathing, usually on my back.)

Also- I've felt this feeling when I was awake before too, when u was traveling, post a music festival. It was very very scary and I truly feared I was going to die. I would feel dizzy but almost like I was sinking away, and like my head was buzzing. It could have been a lack of sleep combined with not eating much and traveling but it's comparable to how I feel falling asleep sometimes but worse. So I guess I'm asking if anyone else has felt this while awake too?

Do these symptoms sound similar to anyone else? Should I see a doctor for anxiety? I'm admittedly a hypochondriac, so I scare myself into thinking the worst, but I also have a history of high stress (not sure if I'd class it as anxiety or anxiety attacks though).


you are not alone ,,,i can relate to you~ idea
Posted 10/29/2014 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi. I have had all the same symptoms. I started by getting dizzy spells and they caused panic attacks. I thought I was having a heart attack but all heart tests came back normal. Had severe sinus issues also. After dealing with this for years I started taking, first prilosec and then the doc gave me prescription prilosec, twice the strength on OTC stuff. All my sinus issues completely vanished and my dizzy spells went mostly away and were not nearly as severe. I was amazed that all my problems were being caused by my stomach. I still get occasional dizzy spells and I notice a bit of stomach discomfort when it happens. I believe certain foods bring it on. processed cheese I think. Hope this helps some of you. I know how bad it can get.
Posted 10/29/2014 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hi rmh and welcome!

Thanks for sharing. I too have noticed a correlation between gut issues and anxiety...one can play off the other...

Seeking to treat the whole body...physically and mentally is key!

Post with us anytime for anxiety support and/or to share.:)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/29/2014 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have had these "headrushes" as you call them on and off for many many years. I referred to them more as like getting an electric shock in my head but I'm sure we're describing the same thing. My therapist told me it's just a part of anxiety..some people get them, others get something else. There are so many things that anxiety can cause our bodies to do that it's just amazing...and frightening alot of the time. and yes, I strongly believe that what you eat can cause how you feel both physically AND mentally. My mother, God rest her, was so good at being my therapist when I was young and experiencing what you are now....it gave me such a great sense of comfort to know that I wasn't crazy. She was a very strong believer in different foods exaggerating anxiety symptoms and I have always found this to be true. As I've said before on this forum, try not to eat heavy, spicey foods at least five hours before going to bed. And if you like milk, take a nice big glass before bed....it's really one of the worlds best tranquilizers if you can tolerate lactose products.
Posted 10/30/2014 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I apparently have had sleeping anxiety ever since I was a child! I remember feeling like my life was literally being pulled out of my body . about an hour ago, I was doing nothing stressful in particular, just doing something basic,( ok.. i was finally hanging up all the clean clothes that I have been transferring from the bed and then to the chair for the past week) when I felt like I was going to faint, or die...I could breathe, and I had no pain, and a sensation of blood rushing from my head, a noise in my ear, and then i just went to my knees and landed on the soft bed. Thankfully. I recovered, but it was disconcerting. Instead of worrying all night, I decided to look online, and that is what led me here to you. I often avoid sleep as well. I am amazed at how stressors that we are not conscious of, or stressful situations that we are aware if, really affect our physical well being. Well, it looks like I have a lot of work to do and have already begun to make some changes. I find it very difficult to really, really relax. With marital separation, and other problems looming on the horizon, on top of other physical issues, it is going to be a lot of work.
Posted 10/30/2014 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sundell and welcome!

We are glad that you stumbled upon us here while checking out answers for yourself.:)

It sounds like you have a good idea of the stressors that are causing you to be symptomatic and feel unwell...so that is a start!

Do you currently have an anxiety management plan going? Have you had these issues/symptoms previously?

If not...you may want to talk with your doctor to just to confirm that this is indeed what you are experiencing...and to discuss some ideas for treatment.

For now...we have a great collection of info, self-help and other anxiety management material here in our Resources. Click on the top thread, main page to check it out.:)

Post with us anytime...and please start a thread of your own if you feel comfortable doing so. (Post New Topic icon, above left toolbar)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/30/2014 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for replying and for the resources.. I think i should have the heart checked out, in case.. but i am really oppositional about medicines and want to feel normal through actually managing things, not taking meds to cover up symptoms,- or using natural remedies.. . Not FDA approved ones. skull
Posted 9/16/2015 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Almost exactly like LBdye, I am 53 and have the same fainting while falling asleep thing. I have ME, and have been taking Citalopram for a number of anxiety based symptoms for around 12 years. I felt fine at the start of the year, so gradually started cutting down my citalopram dose until I stopped 4 months ago. At first I was fine, other than the usual withdrawal symptoms, but for the last 2 months, I have started to have panic attacks again, I am not sleeping well, have the stupid faint while sleeping thing and often feel dizzy. My head is also far more 'active' and chatters away endlessly. Last night I had had enough so took 20mg Citalopram and I've booked the doctor for tomorrow. I don't like being stuck on drugs, but I really don't want to feel like this. i suppose I'll just have to live with a life on Citalopram!
Posted 9/16/2015 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ekimnow and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the returning anxiety you are currently dealing with. I know this is not a welcome occurrence...and how frustrated you must feel.

It is good to hear you have an appointment with your doctor tomorrow. Hopefully you will have a good conversation about your treatment option, and be able to come up with a plan?

Have you had experience with therapy and or self help previously for relief?

Many people find the combination of meds and therapy to be a winning one!

Pleas consider posting back in a new thread for yourself (this one us rather old now) and let us know how your appointment went. ..so we can continue to support you!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/27/2018 11:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all

My name is Adam and I’m 39, I’m 6ft and very gym fit. 5 weeks ago I started having chest pains, I took myself to A&E 3 times over the week, I had 3 ECGs three blood tests and all come out ok. On the 8th day my GP referred me to hospital with a cardiology unit. They kept me in overnight on a 24 hour ECG and put me on a load test the the following day via a treadmill, I was discharged and sent home with a portable ECG and monitored for another 24 hours...all test results came in ok, no issues. I continued to get chest pains and after a few days after my hospital visit I started to get this feeling like a light headed Adrenalin rush which starts from my chest/ heart and goes to my head, it feels like my heart is coming to a stop and I go light headed. As soon as I open my eyes I snap out of it? I think I am going to die. Eventually I fall to sleep, I’m running off a few hours sleep a night. I spoke to my cardiologist and he put me on beta blockers 10mg propranolol x3 day. I took these for 7 days and they never touched me, issue still occurred most nights and even when I try to take a doze. My GP upped my dose to 20mg every 4/6 hours, I thought I was on to a winner until last night and the dizziness come back. I have noticed from the beginning of my problems my heart feels like it’s beating really hard and Heavy but my BP is fine my heart rate too? But my body shakes as it beats when I’m resting and particularly when I’m in bed begging my nights sleep. I’m banging my head against a wall as I feel my heart is not running correctly but I’ve passed all tests put in front of me..do I need an echo? Is my dizziness my heart or anxiety based?..can anyone advise? Thanks for reading
Posted 5/28/2018 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Ad24 and welcome!

I am sorry to hear that you are having this confusing/concerning experience. Have you dealt with any anxiety issues previously, or is this a first time incident for you?

Since you checked out medically... (I am assuming they also did a CBC, and you've had a current physical to rule every possible physical cause out?)

...then you can probably proceed to treat for anxiety in the form of medication and/or therapy/self help.

You can talk to your doctor about the first two, and for the self help, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material to get started on right away. (I suggest starting with the Stres Relieving Exercises and meditation videos)


Keep talking with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/28/2018 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi thanks for reply

I am having a blood test in 4 days time to check my thyroid, GP says it may be cause as I have never experienced any type of anxiety in all my years. Why can I feel my heart thump as I have never had this issue before? I am still training at the gym but I feel really nauseous at the end, again never had this issue before. Honestly speaking do you you feel the dizziness when I’m in bed trying to sleep is anxiety related?
Feel embarrassed with putting my self on a forum as usually I’m the one advising others

Thanks for time

Adam
Posted 5/28/2018 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
Don't feel embarrassed...we are all peers here and share in both needing and giving advice...

Once you've cleared your blood test...if all checks out, then yes...you can be confident that this is anxiety related. It is common and manageable, so don't despair.

Keep us updated if you find it helpful...we are here to keep you encouraged.

S.C.
Posted 6/1/2018 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Ur not alone. This started for me when anxiety was really bad. Clonzapam helped stop them. I gained tolerance to the clonazapam and it only blunted then. Paxil in the morning is keeping them away after ive been on it for 3wks!!

Hang in there. I know it's very scary. I thought I was the only one going through this and that there was something wrong. But turned out it was just anxiety and many others have gone through it.

You will get through this! When ur anxiety goes down it will go down.
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