Trouble sleeping. Can't catch breath then sinking feeling.

[Xoxochellebell]

I recently went to the doctor because I was having chest pain that radiated left to right and in the center of my chest as well. I hadn't felt like I was anxious lately but maybe my body said otherwise. I ended up breaking down to my father and he told me I should see my "brain trainer" (therapist), I like to say, again (as I had been feeling better and so I stopped going). Anyways, when I was at the doctor I explained the pain and wondered if it was from stress/anxiety. She then prescribed me bupropion saying that I was probably taking shallow breaths from anxiety causing the pain. I started taking the meds and things have been weird. The past few nights every time I try to fall asleep and get to the so called "twilight phase" where I'm just about out, I get this feeling like I've stopped breathing similar to the sinking feeling you get in your chest when you hear unwanted news or you get scared, suddenly I'll realize this and jolt myself awake gasping for air. Sometimes it feels like I could pass out. I've tried everything, sleeping in a different position, elevating my chest to feel like I fill my lungs better, even sleeping with my dog to reduce possible anxiety? The thing is when I go to sleep I'm not feeling anxious at all... I've gotten roughly 4 hours of sleep the past two night... I miss sleeping. Does anyone experience this or similar things? I can't help but feel like a hypochondriac too thinking I'm going to stop breathing one day and no one will know until it's too late.

[Funkyfaerie]

Hi xoxochellebell,

Check out my profile a d page. I put a very similar question on about a week ago.

I am a shallow breather and sometimes I forget to breathe, especially when concentrating or anxious. I get pains, but I also get a heart flutter at the same time sometimes, which I think is a reminder for me to breathe!

The night time thing, exactly as you describe has now gone away of its own accord, it lasted a few weeks though. I had had it before but not for as long.

What I'm saying is try not to worry, it sounds like anxiety.

But read my post, it may reassure you.

Jennyfwr xx

[Xoxochellebell in reply to Funkyfaerie]

I just read the thread on your page! It was helpful to say the least. Tonight I played some music and instead of letting my mind wonder off to sleep I listened to what the lyrics were saying and kind of sang along in my head. It took me a while to fall asleep still but I just woke up so I guess some sleep is better than no sleep. The acceptance thing is easier said than done I feel. I tried that but I think the fear that it would in fact keep coming back keeps it coming. I have a appointment with my doctor in the afternoon. None of this started happening when I was not on the bupropion. It was very sudden.

[Funkyfaerie in reply to Xoxochellebell]

I think once you have just one night when it doesn't happen, it makes you realise it's just anxiety. And then you start not to worry...and then it goes away. Wish you all the best. Jennyfwr xx

[Xoxochellebell in reply to Funkyfaerie]

Thank you, I really just want to sleep!