Heart racing, any suggestions?

[MrsWeaverTheBeaver]

I've spent all day getting ready for our flight in the morning. We have to be up at 5am. Just as I go to lie down to get some sleep, my heart starts racing at top speed. I'm sitting here trying to slow it down but nothing is working. I know I've been very anxious about the flight but thought I was OK. I've also heard this could be part of perimenopause, which I'm in at the moment. Anyone know anything to help slow it down? I really need to sleep...

Anxiety is awful OP.
Get off your phone, it won’t help. Don’t panic about will I sleep or not. Just take it as it comes.

What do you mean by racing?

Maybe slow breathing - in for 4 hold and out for 6 pause

Sorry, not sure, but think it's adrenaline making that happen. Not sure what can slow it down but hopefully others will be able to chip in with some good advice for you. Love your username!

Try resetting your vagus nerve. Fill the bathroom basin with really cold water and use your hands to scoop the water up and swoosh your face. Normally this would cause that sharp intake of breath which allegedly resets the nerve. Works when. I get palpitations or my heart is racing.

Try the valsalva manoeuvre (it’s like holding your breath and bearing down for 15 seconds, you can google how to do it) my family member had to do this when experiencing an SVT that went on for a bit too long. I’ve used it when I have palpitations that are longer than usual.

is it constant or coming and going? Can you take your pulse on your wrist or your neck? Is this the first time this has happened to you? Any other related feelings ? May simply be anxiety, which can definitely cause palpitations- see if you can do some deep breathing exercises. If you feel it’s not settling - best to get things checked out.

Thanks all, it's constant, and started just as I lay down. It's racing and I have palpitations.

I've been sat here breathing slowly and deeply and I thought I was feeling pretty calm. I wasn't stressing before bed as everything is packed and ready to go so I was feeling good.

Period just started today and they are all over the place thanks to peri so my hormones are probably a bit of a mess too.

Really didn't need another thing to deal with, at least my toothache has stopped...

I've given it a good go, maybe my technique is not the best! It was refreshing at least!

Hi op

I'm exact same position as you, currently listening to flight anxiety and breathing through anxiety exercises on the calm app, my flights a bit after you're so not too early.

Mine only started doing what you described at about 47 mid period menopause, I'm 49 now.

I can feel the HRT has 100% helped calm this down from last year's panic, so just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

You will be ok, take deep breaths and if that doesn't work do some jumping jacks, or clench and unclench your hands arm and feet and legs.. if the breathing doesn't calm you shaking off the adrenaline may work.

Thank you for this. My brain immediately went into doom mode. Glad that I am not alone.

I really want to avoid HRT but I'm not sure I can manage getting this regularly. It's terrifying.