Feels like I’m dying when falling asleep - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

53,077 members49,185 posts

Feels like I’m dying when falling asleep

Eyes-so-late12 profile image
9 Replies

Hi all. I’m new here but I’m seeking genuine advice. For the past 10 days I’ve been experiencing insomnia like never before. When I start falling asleep I suddenly feel like I’m genuinely dying and I forget to breathe & (feels like)my heart stops. I then jolt up with a pounding heart. It’s a horrid situation and it continues for hours until 5am or even 6am. I’m constantly checking my heart and I have palpitations & what feel like spasms. I live in the UK and it’s impossible to see a doctor currently. Physically I think I’m probably ok... I run 30 miles a week and lift weights most days. Diet is also ok. However my stress levels are off the charts for various reasons . Any tips on how to break this cycle would be welcome. I’ve tried meditation but I just can’t break through with it

Written by
Eyes-so-late12 profile image
Eyes-so-late12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
9 Replies
Agora1 profile image
Agora1

Welcome Eyes so late12 Everything you are describing was me at one time. I totally understand

the symptoms you are feeling when trying to sleep. We don't actually forget

to breathe, our body wouldn't allow it. But the sensation is a part of our

over sensitized nervous system kicking in from stress.

What happened 10 days ago that prompted the insomnia to get to this point.

We are here to help answer any questions to get you through this from our

own experiences with Anxiety. I'm happy you are here with us :) xx

Eyes-so-late12 profile image
Eyes-so-late12 in reply to Agora1

Thanks for the reply. I know rationally this is connected to stress but is completely overwhelming me physically. This has really been 24 months in the making. It’s all covid related really. Asides from losing job, displacement and disruption ... the main anxiety is the decision about my wife’s visa for UK is due very soon. We haven’t seen each other in nearly a year now. Literally all our future depends on this one decision by a British bureaucrat to allow my wife to come and live here. I suppose it’s just overwhelming stress but a lack of control. There’s literally nothing I can do

Aryank profile image
Aryank

I am having the same problem these days , as soon as j am about to doze off i suddenly get an attack, i develop gas as well at that moment and get burps. Font know what happening and how to stop this :/

Rosepetal60 profile image
Rosepetal60

Have you ever thought you might be doing too much exercise wise ? Maybe worth having a weeks break from it and see if that helps. Might be a good idea to listen to soothing sounds or music before settling for sleep and beyond. Also try & think of nice places to be.imagine you are in that nice place be it a garden or walking along a beach.

Eyes-so-late12 profile image
Eyes-so-late12

I feel like I can’t sacrifice cutting down on exercise. It may sound stupid but I’m over 40 now. My wife is younger but our plan was to try for a baby two years ago but covid struck. After 40 there becomes more risks for a man. I feel I will lose my vitality and potency if I stop. In effect I have a existential dread I’m leaving it too late now. We married 3 years ago and had a solid life plan but it’s completely been shattered

Trishly1234 profile image
Trishly1234

I absolutely understand about meditation- but I found relaxation music helpful - you tube have specific ones that send sound waves to reduce stress so it does the hard work for you rather than being mindful

17032602 profile image
17032602 in reply to Trishly1234

There could be so many different reasons for your sleep situation--seeing your doctor is a good idea. My community has a sleep centre that further investigates sleep problems--not sure if you have those resources--but seeing your doctor sounds like a good first step.

Eyes-so-late12 profile image
Eyes-so-late12 in reply to 17032602

I live in UK. It’s near impossible to see a doctor in person. It really is.. I’m not posturing. Never ever believe the notion of UK’s NHS.

Doc11764 profile image
Doc11764

Eyes. It sounds like some stress related anxiety and or panic attacks . You need to see a doctor and have them go over your medical history. Hope it gets better .

You may also like...

Falling asleep but feel like my heart stops and I’m dying!!

and fall asleep I feel heart palpitations and I feel like my heart stops and are dying and I jolt...

Feeling like I \"forget\" to breathe when I'm falling asleep!

off I get this jolt of panic like I forgot to keep breathing. It's almost like that feeling you...

feeling I will die when trying to fall asleep.

trying to drift off to sleep it feels as though I will stop breathing my heart will stop and my...

feel like I’m going to die

constantly feel like I’m dying especially when I stand up and walk around I get dizzy and feel like...

Fells like my heart stops when I'm falling asleep..

sick of feeling like I'm constantly checking my pulse and feeling like I'm going to die. Even when...