I can't sleep feel like my heart is going to stop

[ImHere_Again]

It's one of those nights again. I feel pressure in my chest. I thought I was going to be able to sleep today but I guess not. Its frustrating because I was already falling asleep but I was awaken by a sudden jerk. Now every time I am falling asleep I get woken up by the sudden jerk that makes me feel like my heart has stopped beating. Not only that, when I open my eyes I feel like the room is spinning. I'm on my fourth day of my medication, so I am hoping the medication would kick in soon. For the past couple of days , I have been taking Magnesium Glycine and I have been sleeping ok. I didn't take it today so I don't know if that is part of my problem. Ever since I started my medication I have been cautious in taking that supplement. It's really frustrating that I can't seem to get good sleep. I just want this feeling to stop so I can get to sleep. I feel like I'm over this whole situation and just want to move on. I feel like I keep wasting time on this. I am always googling my symptoms. I know its bad but I guess I just want reassurance that I'm ok.

[SCC1]

Hello. This is just my thought, because I'm not in the medical field, but you could have sleep apnea. I had it, and a couple of times when I was just falling asleep, I was awakened by a jolt because I actually did stop breathing. It only lasted a few seconds, but it might be a reason you are having a problem with not sleeping.

IMO, I would see your Dr as soon as you can.

Also, what can cause sleep apnea, is tonsils being too enlarged. I had mine out in my late 30s, and I have not had a problem since.

I don't know if this would work, but you could try sleeping sitting up against a pillow instead of laying down. People are less congested when sitting up; just something to try. I believe a person's airways are more open when they are sitting up. Again, just my belief, not medical advice.

[designguy]

I know it can be frustrating, and instead of googling your symptoms you might spend some time on youtube and check out the DARE Anxiety videos on anxiety sleep issues and insomnia and other videos there on it. One of the things i learned was the more i tried to go to sleep the more difficult it made it. I also found how well I could function on going for a number of days without sleep. One of the things I learned from my therapist is mentally counting backward slowly from 100 to 0 and repeating if needed.

[Sanmali1968]

This is 100% my symptom for many years. I have not been able to put it in words like you did. I get the jerk while I’m falling asleep and it seems like the heart just stopped for a moment. Very scary feeling. I get this only when I’m trying to fall asleep that also first time when I go to bed. When I get up in middle of night to use bathroom then I don’t get this jerk and feeling of heart stopped. Some days are bad and I feel it many times then it makes it difficult to sleep. I read other reply and interestingly, yes it can be sleep apnea.

[Chi1504 in reply to Sanmali1968]

Vegggh

[LemonyGrace]

Hi, Hope you are feeling better. Try focusing on your breath and with each exhale notice how heavy you get and sink into the matress. With each exhale focus on becaming more and more heavy and you will fall asleep in no time. Hope it helps you too. You will be fine just put in the work to turn your life arround. I find that anxiety is more a low self esteem issue, so be kind to yourself. Take care.

[Cavalierrubie]

l have had the jerking. I was told it was the muscles relaxing after being so tense and nothing to worry about. Take care.