Waking up in the middle of the night feeling anxious.

[Lucille-B]

I wish it wasn't so hard to have a good night's sleep. I woke up at 3am from anxious thoughts and palpitations. Lying in bed trying to convince myself it's just anxiety and not let the body sensations get worse or make me panic. This has happened many many nights over the years. Falling asleep is a lot easier than staying asleep.

I also have this weird insomnia thing that happens sometimes. I'll start falling asleep and then just as I drift away I suddenly wake up. Almost like from a fright. This happens over and over and over. Anyone else experience that? I also tend to be very jumpy at any strange noises is my sleep. I don't understand why my subconscious mind also needs to be ready to fight or flight.

[Agora1]

Lucille-B, perfectly said in that your subconscious mind is always ready to fight or flight. It stands on guard all night while we sleep (or try to sleep). The littlest sound or dream can wake us into a state of fear. I believe falling asleep (for some) is a lot easier just because we are exhausted. Around 3-4am is when our Cortisol levels (fight or flight) rise to prepare us for the coming day. So it is not unusual for the anxious mind to respond to that stimuli and we are awaken with a startle.

What can help (besides medication) is learning to meditate and deep breathe before bedtime. Just before you drift into sleep. It will allow your mind and body to fully relax internally and not just from pure exhaustion. By practicing this daily before bed and when awakening (even in the middle of the night) it will help lull you back to sleep and not have you toss and turn in an anxious state. Deep Breathing is all about reducing the amount of adrenaline coursing through our body at the crack of dawn.

Just a small step that may have a big success in helping you to get a better quality sleep.

Breathe Lucille, exhale slowly. xx

[higherpurpose]

I have experienced anxiety and panic attacks before so I can understand how you are feeling. I had to be on meds for a bit and it did help. However, I wanted to come off them and know how to cope with them. Working out, meditation, and chamomile tea before bed has helped, so maybe think about things that may work for you and give them a try. Also, trying to develop a bedtime routine may help because it will signal your body that it is time for sleep. I hope you find what works for you soon. Take care.