Keep having funny panic attack type things before falling asleep

[Pinkchampagne]

I say panic attacks because that is what they feel like. It has happened nearly every night this week, just as I am dropping off. I suddenly get a horrible sensation like my head is about to explode & wake myself right up in total panic - my heart will be racing badly. After this happens I feel scared to try to sleep again, so it can keep me up for hours.

I live on my own with the boys & strangly it seems to happen most often when I am here in bed alone. It doesn't happen much when I am staying with DP & in bed with him.

Anyone had similar or do you think I am barking mad!

[NotQuiteCockney]

Hmmm, something like this is pretty common, you start to lose control of your muscles (part of falling asleep), and then your brain gets confused, and you wake up after a tiny dream in which you're falling over.

This sounds like it may be stress, though - what are you doing to calm down before bed? Hot bath? No caffeine? Are you eating well, exercising well?

[ruthmollymummy]

Had the exact same thing all throughout my first pregnancy. Don't worry about it because worrying about it makes it happen more often!
As long as it isn't severe just try some slow breathing and distracting yourself with some telly and chocolate or something!

[tortoiseshellWasMusicaYearsAgo]

I had this the other night - was really scary - I was convinced I was going to have a heart attack and die. With me it is definitely stress - but some wise advice on another thread to me was that realising it is panic, and not a heart attack is the most reassuring thing, as I found the worst thing was the fear I was going to die.

I was also recommended camomile tea.

[Blossomhill]

Definitely stress and anxiety. I had this 2 yrs ago and I really feel for you as it's so scary. I think it's where you are so stressed you can't shut off as your heart races,if that makes sense?
I saw my gp and am on anti anxiety tablets that really have helped. Good luck x

[Pinkchampagne]

Thank you for your replies - glad it's not me going mad!

I have had spells of this before, around the time I was going through a stressful marriage separation & also remember having them after my Nan's funeral, so the stress related thing makes sense. Not sure what I am stressed about atm other than the fear of this happening, which I guess doesn't help matters.

I almost fear trying to sleep now, which isn't good as I can be awake for hours.

[NotQuiteCockney]

Stress can manifest in funny ways - I went through a charming phase of having night sweats when I was stressed. (I also do teeth grinding, hurrah!)

Oh, there are some herbal sleeping pills that purport to help with anxiety too (on a half-dose). I'm not sure they work, but they don't give you that dreadful wet-cardboardy feeling you get from regular sleeping pills (ok, that I get, if you want to be technical).

I'd recommend:

• long hot baths
• avoiding anything too hyper soon before bed
• self-hypnosis tapes, or even just calm breathing.
• writing about whatever's stressing you (or ranting on here, or ranting to an irl friend).

[Pinkchampagne]

Thinking about it, I have had moments where it has really hit me that it's just me & the boys, and fear that something awful might happen to me in the night & there being no other adult here. I guess this may have maybe triggered this. I don't feel stressed to the extent I have in the past, but it may be enough to trigger these little attacks.