Did i just have a panic attack.

[scottlayton35]

Was just drifting off to sleep and something jolted me. For about 30-60secs i couldnt breathe and my heart was racing. After a bit of pacing up and down and deep breathing everything seems to be getting back to normal except now i'm sooooo scared i'm shivering. I don't know what happend or why.

[Agora1]

Hi scottlayton35, it sounds like an anxiety attack. You are okay now. It came and went. Try allowing yourself to relax and breathe. It happens when we just drift off to sleep because the body tries to relax and the over sensitized nervous system doesn't allow it to. You felt as if you couldn't breathe but it was just the tight muscles in your chest wall giving that sensation. Your heart was racing because of the rush of adrenaline that happen when you woke up startled and afraid.

Best thing when that happens is to tell yourself mentally that you are safe, you are okay and breathe yourself into a stable state. Through deep breathing it allows both the mind and body to relax. You cannot be scared while deep breathing properly. Get rid of the negative thoughts. We don't have to know what happened or why that will just prolong the anxious feeling.

We are here if you need to reach out to us. You are never alone. x

[scottlayton35 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks. Ive had panic attacks before but always after some form of exercise and couldnt get my HR to come down. Ive been doing ok for 6 months so this has come from nowhere.

[Agora1 in reply to scottlayton35]

Scott, I use to get that whenever I would lie down whether it was for the night or even a nap.

Our muscles and nervous system are in overdrive, our subconscious is always active...just as the body starts to relax and go into sleep, it's like a faulty alarm going off in our brain sending us false info that something is wrong but of course there isn't.

I hope you are feeling a little better now. Make sure you hydrate. We're only a message away.

[Indigojoe]

Scott the jolts are actually "normal" when the body is drifting off.

It is the adrenals kicking in, and sometimes it sends out a jolt of adrenaline.

Folks who do energy work call this a Chakra experience, or Kundalini, a form of primal energy said to be located at the base of the spine.

Actually it is an intense form of healing. Your ( OUR ) body's always try to get us back to normal. Research it, it's intense and very spiritual.

When it happens to me, usually just before a nap or as I am waking up from a nap, I get that freaky jolt, & I get spooked for a moment, realize what it is, get up and get something carbonated to drink and I calm right down. Actually, it's a pretty cool energy experience, once you learn about it.