Panic attack?

[Val1985]

Hi All,

I'm planning on making a GP appointment next week, but wanted to know if this happens anyone else.

Last night I nodded off on the sofa, next think I know I woke and sprung up to standing feeling so panicked and like i couldn't breathe. I got such a fright. My husband was beside me and said I wasn't snoring or anything - he thought I must have been dreaming. I do also have a rotten cold so I'm mouth breathing and all bunged up. Could this be a panic attack or sleep apnea?

It has happened before, the first time was when I was really stressed about two years ago and it was so frightening. Has happened a few times recently just after I fall asleep.

Anyone any advice?

I should also add, even though I'm not sure it's relevant, when I went up to bed and went to sleep I had the strangest dreams all night long. Really scary ones about my house burning down and someone I know dying.

Well... it doesn't quite sound like sleep apnea. Lots of the time that goes unnoticed until sleep clinic is able to diagnose. Other times it's accompanied by snoring or a partner will visibly observe that breathing is interrupted.

It could be a panic attack triggered by one of the involuntary movements that can happen when you drift off. (Like a "hypnic jerk" or "exploding head syndrome")