Extreme panic at bedtime.

Hello,just this week I had what I believe to be my first panic attack.I awoke at 3am unable to breath and absolutely terrified.Since then I have hardly slept because when I go to bed the panic begins and I feel as if I cannot breath.I cope during the day by keeping busy but become fearful at the thought of going to bed.For the past 6 years I have had a permanent feeling of anxiety in my stomach but put it down to nerve damage and I have managed to sleep until now.I gave up a serious drinking problem 6 years ago and quit smoking this new years day.On Sunday last I gave up caffeine and suddenly this attack,has withdrawal from caffeine caused the attack.I now find myself extremely emotional and the tears flow almost at will.When do things get better,at the moment I feel desperate and unable to cope.

[Hidden]

True- I've had a few panic attacks where I've woken up like it the past 3 weeks. I have never had them till now but know they are a subconscious worry. You could try some night kalms before you settle. If you have any issues to discuus then please tell as we are quite open minded. ()

[worrymagic2013]

This is exactly how things started for me, nine months ago. I woke up heart pounding like I was struggling for breath. My throat and nose felt swollen and closed. My husband actually called an ambulance as I thought I was having a heart attack.

The doctor told me it was a panic attack and sent me off to get some (private) counselling.

I quit caffeine in October last year and I must say it has not stopped these weird occurrences, which like you are mainly at bedtime. I too became v nervous about going to bed and have been sleeping on the sofa so that I could distract myself with TV/writing emails etc at a moment's notice if I started to feel strange again.

The attacks also happen randomly, especially at weekend eg when out in ASDA or just out and about.

The most helpful thing anyone has said to me so far is that she (a woman who stopped to help me in Asda actually) used to get panic attacks, and it was always whenever she slowed down.

This makes sense to me. I'm a very busy person and I've led a bit of an exciting life including like you a lot of drinking, and some traumatic events in my past. I've never really slowed down at all!

My counsellor, a trained psychotherapist, says it is my body trying to get back in balance. I'm still not totally convinced it is all physiological, but I have to trust her.

Basically, short version - go and get some help. Don't be fobbed off, it took me months to get them to accept that this was wrecking my life over the six months between it starting and finally starting some counselling/therapy. It didn't help that no one had helped me understand that my physical symptoms could be caused by my mind.

Anyway. Sorry to ramble, but please seek help and support before it becomes a giant thing looming over you as it did me.

[Hidden in reply to worrymagic2013]

Thanks,i feel better knowing it is not just me at bed time.When out and about I can cope with the stomach churning,I stay busy and physically very active.Do we know if age is a factor,i am 50 this year and have never felt this way until now.It is a help to be on here and I would like to thank everyone for their advise.

[worrymagic2013 in reply to Hidden]

I am 42 and have had a series of mystery symptoms over last few years, which docs have assigned to hormonal changes post baby and feeding. I had palpitations as a teen, and what I now think are panic attacks in my 20s but nothing like these recent v strange episodes. I have been wondering if hormones drive all of the above... Or if I've just had 30 years of building up stress!