Feeling like you stop breathing when you are falling asleep, jolts you awake

[Funkyfaerie]

Hi,

I have recently been through a bad time having to have medical stuff done. And I got myself into a terrible state about it.

Now all the tests are done and I don't have to be nervous anymore. During that time and since then I have developed this weird feeling every night. I start to drift off to sleep and then jump awake again as if I forget to breath, it's quite scary and I am now finding myself nervous of going to bed.

Crazy thing is I do fall asleep eventually, so I must be breathing.

[wendypartridge]

except the feeling, it won't hurt you , once you stop fighting it , it will go away, I guess it comes just as you going off to sleep, the secret is to accept it

[Agora1 in reply to wendypartridge]

wendypatridge, who knew that "acceptance" was going to be the key? I'm happy for you wendy. x

[wendypartridge in reply to Agora1]

It is when you get that 'jump feeling' before sleeping , its the fear that keeps it coming back

[Alliebear1995 in reply to wendypartridge]

How does one fall asleep during times like this? I haven’t slept in two days because of this... My stomach like basically tummy tucks and forgets that it’s time to inhale.

[Funkyfaerie in reply to Alliebear1995]

I know exactly what you mean! It makes you feel like you're having a giant uncontrollable internal hiccup.

I found a very obscure way of helping myself and eventually getting rid of it.

I had previously bought myself one of those elastic things to help hold your shoulders back, better posture. I loosened it so it wasn't so tight and wore it at night time, the slight pressure around my ribs made me breathe deeper and better, and remember to!!

I think because I live my life with my muscles so tense/ rigid all the time, I hold my breath too. I still hold my breath and all my muscles hurt, but that panic thing at night has gone and I don't wear that thing at night any more, think I used that method for about three weeks until I'd calmed down. Hope this helps you, it will go.

Best wishes xx

[wendypartridge]

I have to add that a lot of the feelings we get with anxiety are scary in their very nature and they can make you very unwell, but if we can just remember the horrible circle of fear we create in our bodies, we need to break it though acceptance, its not easy and we all have set backs but it can be done

[Funkyfaerie in reply to wendypartridge]

Thank you Wendy. xx