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Anxiety During Sleep?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Never - 22.2% - 2 votes
Rarely (1-2 nights a month) - 0.0% - 0 votes
Sometimes (1-2 nights a week) - 22.2% - 2 votes
Often (3-4 times a week) - 22.2% - 2 votes
Very often (5-6 times a week) - 22.2% - 2 votes
Every night! - 11.1% - 1 votes
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Posted 9/29/2014 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'm curious how many people here suffering from anxiety also have sleep issues. I myself have been having moderate sleep issues the past 6 weeks although sometimes it can be really bad and effect my daily life. Sometimes when I awake my heart rate is around 70-80 BPM, but my usual resting heart rate is between 50 and 65. However I rarely can remember if I was dreaming or what was on my mind. Does anyone else experience something similar?
Posted 9/29/2014 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
GF,

Yes...I have had noctural anxiety, and it is not fun!

However, for me, the bright side was...it was the start of my being able to manage the daytime A/P....

It seemed that once I got a handle on using my skills to deal with the anxiety during waking hours...the opportunistic panic would get me when I was more vulnerable! ;(

With continued work however, I am now sleeping well again most every night.;)

Try using Progressive Muscle Relaxation and meditation/breathing skills just before bedtime (see Resources) for the best night's sleep possible.

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 9/29/2014 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
So night anxiety is real? Lol I was hoping so and I wasn't just losing my mind. I've also considered GERD. I can safely say its not my heart after seeing a cardiologist last week.

I've been taking Melatonin + L-Theanine and it seems to help me fall asleep quickly but doesn't help to much on staying asleep. If I can't fall back to sleep I get up go to the couch and turn on the TV or Xbox to focus my mind on other things.

I've noticed when I fall asleep with a clear mind I do sleep better. Maybe I need to master meditation Jedi style.

Question is, when does it get to a point where its time to see a doctor and/or specialist? I've had this going on for about 6 weeks now, but it does seem to have improved, slowly and slightly but in the right direction. My thought was to wait 4 weeks until my heart rhythm study is complete, just started yesterday. Then I can tell myself cardiologist gave you the all clear and heart rhythm study was normal, and see if my anxiety subsides.
Posted 9/29/2014 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
I also have moderate sleep issues with my anxiety. I wake up usually at least once a night, if not more. I can usually get myself back to sleep within a half hour or so. My trick is never to look at the clock. I don't want to know what time it is.
Posted 9/29/2014 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Chronic insomnia. I've had it for years. And yep, I'll be jolted from a sound sleep with panic.

I guess add me to the list...




M.
Posted 9/29/2014 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
GF...

Do you mean when is it time to see a doctor regarding treating the anxiety...

....or specifically for the sleep issue?

S.C.
Posted 9/30/2014 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Ha both I guess. I'm hoping my anxiety will subside since seeing the cardiologist and being told there isn't anything to worry about. However I'm finding wearing the event monitor itself is causing some anxiety.

I was in a similar situation back in February, March, and April of this year. However everything came back and my doctor said everything was good and I was feeling great for a while. I'm hoping my Anxiety will go away again after seeing the cardiologist but not sure how long I should wait, if that makes sense.
Posted 9/30/2014 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
GF,

I think that you could benefit from trying some self-help for health anxiety. It is worth trying, and then if you feel like the worries are still affecting your quality of life...then that is usually an indication that seeking help in the form or meds, therapy or both, is a wise step.

Did I post the links for health anxiety self-help for you yet? If not, I will do so at your request.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/1/2014 10:17 AM (GMT 0)
Scaredy Cat, You did post those previously, thanks for that.

I'm just at a weird point. Although the cardiologist I saw said my heart was healthy and normal, he has me wearing one of those 30 day event monitors just to make sure my symptoms are not caused my an arrhythmia. I started wearing that Monday morning, and wearing it seems to have increased my anxiety quite a bit. Everytime I hear a beep sound I think it caught something. Monday night I actually slept decent, but I woke up at 4am today, call from eCardio, the company monitoring my event monitor. They said it picked up something and wanted to know what I was doing during the time. Instantly anxiety took over. They said I could go back to sleep so it must not have been anything too serious. I was able to breath and finally calm myself after 30-45 minutes.

Now I have to wonder, is anxiety triggering some sort of arrhythmia, either during the day or at night, or is an arrhythmia triggering anxiety? Not exactly the way I want to be thinking, especially considering I have to wear this thing for another 27 days.

If anything my anxiety doesn't seem to be getting better, and may actually be worse. I'm wondering if long term use of Zantec may be contributing, or the fact that about a month ago I stopped using PPI drugs. However even typing that I feel like I'm stretching for an explanation.
Posted 10/1/2014 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
I seem to now have developed an irrational fear I'm going to drop over dead from a heart arrhythmia. I was very anxious driving to work today, my heart was racing and my chest and face felt funny. Like it was tight and a little tingly.

I was struggling with it before, but since this early this morning I really feel like I've lost control. My hands are cold and shaky at work right now.
Posted 10/1/2014 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thoughts and prayers GF!

I think I saw another thread that you started on this subject...I will respond more there.

S.C.
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