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Night time panic attacks

Just as I begin to fall asleep, I either feel like I am going to pass out, or I feel like my heart and lungs are not working. This sensation occurs just as I am falling asleep, so I force myself to wake-up. This cycle of feeling like death is near, and forcing myself to wake-up, usually robs me of 2 to 3 hours of sleep.  It does not happen every night, but when it does happen, I feel afraid of falling asleep because I am sure I am going to die.  I have done plenty of research and I know these symptoms are imaginary, but knowing that fact does not help. Why is this happening?  I have no stress in my life.  Why is this happening?

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578035 tn?1218867130
I have something in common.  I am afraid of falling asleep.  I will try to stave it off for as long as I can.  I read in bed for hours and dread turning off the light.  I think it may stem from night terrors I experienced when I was taking Ambien.  My body was paralized but my mind was awake.  Or I would have dreams that I was in danger and couldn't make any noise or move.  It left a lasting impact.  Sorry I don't have a solution.  But I understand where you're coming from when you know you need 8 hours of sleep and fight it off for not rational reason.  Good luck.
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Avatar universal
I don't have them before bed, but more so I wake up in one, then have trouble getting back to sleep. I have a feeling its going to bed with that anxiety still lingering in the mind..
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573569 tn?1278629655
i am here with you, i to go through the same thing word for word, everything you just said im here saying to myself i couldnt believe it , itlooks like you were talking about me lol,
anyway im interested in finding out what causes it as well, so il check back in
Helpful - 0
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Arlington, VA
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