Terrified to Sleep

There has been a span of 8 months that I wake up gasping for air, feeling like I can't breathe. I've done a sleep study and it was determined that i don't have sleep apnea. I don't understand why I breathe better while I'm awake, and feel like I can't breathe at night. My psychiatrist gave me lunesta to sleep, but I've been too scared to take it. I'm scared it'll slow my breathing down while I'm sleeping. The last week or two I have been sleeping better, until tonight. I woke up tonight feeling like I couldn't breathe. My vision was different and i felt cold inside. I noticed my hands started to get sweaty, so I got up to get some water. I started feeling hot as well as cold inside. I drank water, hoping that it would help. Everytime I had tried to sleep in the last hour, I start getting these symptoms again. I don't understand what's going on. I'm scared to go back to sleep now. My psychiatrist also perscribed me prazosin for nightmares, but I haven't gotten it filled yet. She is convinced my sleeping issues are happening b.c. of nightmares from ptsd. I'm not sure I'm convinced. I don't remember dreaming a lot when I wake up. Does anyone else have things like this happen?

Hi,
I'm Sorry you have these problems. There are many things that impact on sleep
The above quote from your post indicate that you may have a cold or virus infection coming on or maybe just feeling under the weather. We all have the odd bad nights sleep so the problem might have been caused by a some upset during the day.
Dietary problems can cause all sorts of bad dreams and nightmares. If you feel nauseaus during sleep that can deffinitely cause a bad dream that often turns into a nightmare.
Some sleeping positions; especially sleeping on your back, can also cause breathing difficulties and in turn nightmares.
I don't know what medicines you're taking, however some medicines can cause dry mouth, breathing difficulties and nightmares.
You should not worry about your dreams, even nightmares. The subconscious creates dreams to solve some problem or to wake you up.

I'm not sick- that's not the issue. My psychiatrist is convinced nightmares are waking me up like this b.c. I have PTSD. I'm not sure how she can make that conclusion when I don't even remember dreaming, but that's what she is telling me. I'm wondering if it was a panic attack. I'm obviously fine now. I have had panic attacks before, and they aren't always the same. I have had the "cold inside" feeling during one before though. Ive also had the splotchy vision and lightheadedness. I just don't know why. I do know that panic attacks cam hqppen out of no where though. That it could be something that happened days ago. Or who knows, maybe it is nightmares. It's just terrifying to constantly wake up that way. I just want it to stop.

Have you ever considered using a C-PAP machine? It's basically a mask you wear at night that hooks up to a unit that pumps air into your lungs while you sleep. It essentially breathes for you. I don't know if it's been suggested in your case, but I would look into one if it has been.

That hasn't been suggested because I don't have sleep apnea. I'm not sure if they suggest people who don't have sleep apnea to use them.I also doubt insurance would pay for it since I don't have sleep apnea.

I have had your symptoms and have been told the same thing about not having sleep apnea, and I do not think dreams are the only possible factor here (if even a factor at all) since I have always dreamed a lot and the symptoms you have mentioned are not always present. Continuing to address all the various physical, emotional and mental issues (troubles or disturbances) I have is what makes the difference for me...and that is really about all I can say because I have never figured out any direct connection with anything.

Anxiety causes what you posted here. Keep working with your Therapist, and you will be able to understand you anxiety and heal.