[Visioneer]

I told my doctor yesterday about some symptoms I've been having every once in a while since I was a teenager (ten years ago :P) that have been happening more frequently of late. When I try to go to bed at night, it's like my heart just won't slow down, it keeps going faster and faster, and then I start to feel sick to my stomach and generally like I'm going to die. Sometimes I will throw up or have other "stomach issues". It has happened four times in the last month.
My doctor says this sounds like panic attacks, but I don't understand how I could have panic attacks for no reason... don't these things generally start with being worried about something or thinking particular disturbing thoughts? And why always when I try to go to bed?
I have had social phobia and panic attacks in the past, but usually stemming from thinking about particular things. Can it just happen for no reason?

[pegasus]

Yes, if you are feeling particularly sensitive panic attacks can be triggered quite easily. There is usually something that sets it off even though you may not know what it is just yet. You can help things by making sure you are as relaxed as possible before going to bed. make sure you have a wind down time. Make your bedroom comfortable and buy a relaxation CD that you can listen to before dropping off.

Hugs.

[Rmdctc]

That does sound like a panic attack. What works best for me is to distract myself. I try to read or watch tv usually.

[PinUpGal]

Originally Posted by Rmdctc

That does sound like a panic attack. What works best for me is to distract myself. I try to read or watch tv usually.

Night is usually the worst for me even if I'm not worried about anything in particular. My mother always said it's the fact that there aren't as many distractions and all the stresses of the day or week can kind of sneak up on you. I agree that reading or watching TV quietly can help, also when it gets really bad I find that a very hot shower calms me down. It's a pain to get out of bed but if I am having a really bad night and TV isn't working, usually a hot shower, some chamomile tea, and then watching tv does the trick.

[mosmer13]

It does sound like a panic attack. I tend to focus on my breathing and meditate when I feel one coming on. Seems to help me some. Everyone has a different method of relaxing though. Experiment a little and see what helps the most.

[suze999]

I was having that for a few months -- just when I was going to bed, lying down and my heart would start racing and I panicked because of that (impending doom). I would also wake up in the middle of the night feeling severe anxiety. Turned out to be sleep apnea. I'm not sure why lying down before going to sleep caused it, but once I had my CPAP, it stopped completely.