[MuddyBoots]

Has anyone dealt with something like this? What did you do about it?

Lately on the nights that I sleep when I'm laying down I'm fine, but when I'm falling asleep I get this anxiety wash over me that's about sleeping so I completely wake up, try and calm myself down, and repeat the process several times. Some nights I don't try to sleep, some nights I do this too much and give up, and some nights I do eventually sleep.

I don't know if it's a meds thing. I've had no recent changes (I started lithium yesterday but this started before yesterday). I'm on Risperdal, temazepam, cogentin, propranolol (and now lithium). My mood is elevated so maybe that has somethign to do with it.

[Bipolarchic14]

I am sorry you are going through this Sapien. Have you considered getting a sleep study done? When I had one done it turned out I have sleep apnea which explains my anxiety upon waking up. Also I am I have this thing where like my heart feels like it’s gonna stop when I’m laying down to go to sleep. I asked my doctor and they said it’s anxiety. I am now taking anxiety medicine and I have been increasing on that. Are you taking an anxiety medicine? I know you listed your medicines I just don’t know what they’re for..

[MickeyCheeky]

So Sorry that you are dealing with this. i agree with the wise and wonderful Bipolarchic14 about taking some meds if you feel like anxiety may be the problem. Please do talk to your Pdoc about this if you haven't already. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @Sapien, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[HALLIEBETH87]

I second the sleep study. I used to do that. Turns out it was panic from not breathing due to sleep apnea!

[*Beth*]

My experience of the sleep panic is that it happens before I'm actually asleep. I have an overwhelming feeling that when I fall asleep I will...something...sort-of panic and die in my sleep. It's a miserable thought process. The way I have dealt with it was to be sure to take a med to help me fall asleep quickly, and by paying attention to keeping my breathing good and even, as I relax my body.

[Bipolarchic14]

I know this is gonna sound horrible but I think my preference would be to die in my sleep. So that thought process would actually bring me some comfort.

[MuddyBoots]

I don't think it's anything like sleep apnea, because it's more like what Beth mentioned where it's before I'm actually sleeping making the process of falling asleep very difficult. This is new, so I'm just hoping it doesn't stick.

Hugs, bipolarchic14, I've been there too, as a temporary state. Here's hoping yours is temporary as well.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Sapien

I don't think it's anything like sleep apnea, because it's more like what Beth mentioned where it's before I'm actually sleeping making the process of falling asleep very difficult. This is new, so I'm just hoping it doesn't stick.

Hugs, bipolarchic14, I've been there too, as a temporary state. Here's hoping yours is temporary as well.

Yeah. I have mild sleep apnea and what you've described is something different. It has to do with thoughts first, not an initial physical reaction.