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Scared to sleep

Why am I so scared to sleep? its like everytime i start to get tired I get scared to sleep...I think Im going to die in my sleep.  HELP.
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Avatar universal
Thank God! Sorry you are having problems sleeping but I just had my 2nd HA and it ***** that I can't go to sleep without worrying about it! The only reason I knew I was having a Heart Attack is that i felt sick to my stomach and my arms hurt from the elbows down. Will I feel this if I am sleeping?
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Avatar universal
Thank God! Sorry you are having problems sleeping but I just had my 2nd HA and it ***** that I can't go to sleep without worring about it! The only reason I knen I was haivng a Heart Attack is that i fel tsick to my stomach and my arms hurt from the elbows down. Will I feel this if I am aleeping?
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Avatar universal
Wow ! I get the same ! Your post was old (2008) but I had to try and reply. I'm 37 and at the end of my rope with this. Just as I drift off to sleep I wake up just on time not to go unconscious  like total heart slow down and I'm being defibrillated to come back to life. Jumps me out of my skin. Happens lots for past year, sometimes up to 5 or 6 times a night or nap or when I try falling back asleep in morning. I had 5 ECG a stress test and 2 24hr monitors. ????? I guess it's anxiety ? Write me anyone who knows more please please
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Avatar universal
I have been fighting this fear (hypnophobia or somniphobia) for 10 years. It is an awful condition!

Unlike many of you, I know why I am afraid. I was sexually abused for many years as a child. Then, many years later my son became violent. I had to live in fear for my life every night for 3-4 years before intensive therapy for my son finally helped. I slept with a cell phone, a wired phone and a weapon. I did not sleep during times when he was home.

Recently my husband and I moved several states away from our old town and our son because of a job transfer. I hoped this would help me with my sleep issues. It hasn't.

I am not just afraid to sleep, I am afraid to do anything that would put me to sleep. I have been in couseling and I have meds for my PTSD which also make me fall asleep. I am finding it early impossible to take them. I am so afraid of sleep that I am afraid to do anything tht could make me sleep! I never "try" to go to sleep.

I'm miserable...
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Avatar universal
Your advise is spot on, but my brain will only flutter in and out now. I drink too much as i self medicate, I miss myself.... It has gotten worse over the last month I wish for another baby (i have been trying for 3 years) and because i have had a bad reaction to drugs, I am trying hypnosis in four days time. I would not wish panic or anxiety on anyone and wish people understood what it feels like......I'm from New Zealand and am open to chatting, it's hard to be alone..Suffering for nine years but can no longer visit my Mum 10 kms away (sorry I have no idea how many miles that is) :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your advise is spot on, but my brain will only flutter in and out now. I drink too much as i self medicate, I miss myself.... It has gotten worse over the last month I wish for another baby (i have been trying for 3 years) and because i have had a bad reaction to drugs, I am trying hypnosis in four days time. I would not wish panic or anxiety on anyone and wish people understood what it feels like......I'm from New Zealand and am open to chatting, it's hard to be alone..Suffering for nine years but can no longer visit my Mum 10 kms away (sorry I have no idea how many miles that is) :)
Helpful - 0
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