Please help, not sure what to do.

[Andydextrious]

So, I have been suffering from severe anxiety for about six months now. I end up getting ensign headaches, heart drops, the whole nine yards. But as of recent, when I try to fall asleep it feels as though my entire body won't allow it. Right when I'm about to drift off, my body feels warm and it feels as though a vibration goes from my feet up, even though I'm not moving. Then I get the feeling of my chest dropping and I wake myself up because I am afraid. I have found that my symptoms occur early in the month. I have been trying to keep calm about my situation, and force myself to sleep but it is no use. I'm scared to use meds, and I don't want to take sleep aids if I don't have to. I feel as though the anxiety is controlling my life, and I hate it. I feel bad more often than I have good days.it's terrible, and I just want my life back.

[Agora1]

Hi Andydextrious, Anxiety presents in so many different ways. Interrupting our sleep is the most frustrating. The symptoms come when you are trying to relax but you have to remember your body was in tense mode all day (whether you felt it or not). I have felt that vibration feeling under my feet. Something like a neuropathy. It's the nerves settling down. The feeling of your chest dropping is just another sign of the tight chest muscles trying to relax so you feel that dropping feeling. There is nothing to fear, it is a natural phenomena of someone who is anxious. You are wise in not using meds or sleep aids if you don't have to. That's not the answer and they are addicting. You would feel bad if you are not getting a good night's sleep because that's when the body regenerates. Night time is the time to start preparing for bed an hour or so before ready to turn in. That would mean no electronic devices such as cell, tv or games. A cool dark room is preferable. If reading is a comfort to you before falling asleep, that's fine as long as it is not a stimulating story. The best thing is to start deep breathing upon getting in bed, listen to a relaxation tape until you start feeling serene. Do not worry about any bodily symptoms, think past them. It may take about 30 days for your brain to be retrained in relaxing at bedtime. Eventually, you will fall sound asleep long before that tape is finished. Wish you well. Goodnight