Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

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.
120 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
17465207 tn?1456931959
Im having this to and it really sicks but i have anxiety and depression so i guess that's playing a major part in my thinking crazy and sleeping problems
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I experience the same thing I've been suffering from anxiety that bad I got constant pain around my heart  my heart races fast I can't sleep properly my mind is going crazy I completey think I'm gonna die of a heart atack wile I'm righting this I just woke up thinking I stopped breathing it's a joke I never used to be like this seems to be getting worse and worse I take 10 mg diazepam 3 times a day and 10 mg of tamazapan on the night but the diazepam helps threw day but tamazapan don't seem to help for the sleep I'm fighting a loosing battle I'm only 26 and this taking over my life already
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My fear usually compounds because a feeling of "unfinished business" and I often obsess about the lives of my wife and kids if they lost me early in their young lives. Losing my life insurance and job don't aid in that. I replay all the news stories and the experiences of people close to me that I feel were taken too soon, and know that pure numbers are against me. Monitored sleep is one of the only things that brings comfort to me, but it often irritates my wife and she doesn't understand my fear. I am so jealous, she can treasure and wants her sleep. Health issues and no insurance for the past few years also puts my brain in an extra panic of uncertainty. I also lost my insurance after having the luxury of several years of available healthcare. I try to meditate and take some solace in my lifetime ability to short sleep. I rarely slept more than five hours a night before I knew this panic. Recently, I have tried to adopt an "each day is a gift"  or for the country-western fans "live like you were dyin" attitude. With a refocused effort to try better myself everyday, at bedtime I tell my self, " What the hell do I have to lose,, did my best today, and if it is the end, I can be at peace with myself and concence. And in rhyme,  If I'm going to not wake up anyway, make the most of everyday. Cheesy, but has made great improvement to the whole of my life, and maybe someday beyond. Hope the rambling helped, it did me.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
does anyone check their bp when this happens? I am obsessed with checking min because I recently when to urgent care and got put on bp meds, Im wondering if they could have an effect on my anxiety. Does anyone have anything theve found helpful in going to sleep?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
omg ive had the same thing for the past two to three wekks some days better than others i tryed going to sleep and get tingles for no reason and it wake we up i just want to go to slep and feel like my self and again so i know exsaclty were you are coming from and i hope for you sake and mine we get better
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had severer panic attacks and anxiety for 12 years now. I have been hospitalized for it 11 times when I first got sick in my late twenties. Now lately it has come back again and I have a fear of dying in my sleep. It really ***** ! My body is super sensitive and I tried different medications for anxiety and depression several times but they just made me feel a lot worse.. I really don't think any drugs are the cure anyways they just mask the symptoms.  It's comforting to see other people with this disorder ! Nice to feel like your not alone! I have a medication and relaxation CD I play but it doesn't always work.. I really enjoyed reading all the comments from everyone.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been having panic attacks all my life. Tried everything--psychiatry, alcohol, prescription drugs--I take Xanax now but some nights it doesn't work.  Tonight it isn't working, and so I came here.

I just want to put my arms around all of you until we aren't scared anymore.
Helpful - 0
6977351 tn?1386655392
You sound a lot like me. I am afraid of the medications so I suffer even worse. If I have to take a medicine if I am sick, I will go to the ER and sit in there and take it and wait an hr or until I am sure I am not going to die from it. It is pathetic. I have bad PAC's like 6,000 they recorded in 24 hrs, they say they are normal, they don't feel normal, I notice them most at night, they seem more strong, and I am afraid to sleep, sometimes I gasp hard when I am right on the edge of falling asleep... It's weird. Some people just don't understand.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I'm 15 and I am an extremely anxious person and a couple months ago I got very anxious from a drug and alchohol experience at my highschool and it was the first time I had severe panic attacks one night when I was trying to fall asleep. I also had them during the day in uncomfortable situations. I've been suffering from panic attacks and anxiety for about 6 months now and it really really *****, but all I can say is I've learned it's all in my head. Your brain can really pull tricks on you its amazing, but when I forced myself to be possitive and to not worry, I didn't have a single panic attack, I was happy as can be, and good things kept happening to me. I felt that when I let myself think negatively, I would have panic attacks frequently, and trick myself into I was dying or losing my mind. Like last night I was falling asleep, and just as I felt my mind drifting off to sleep, I jolted up, my heart racing, I was sweating, and I was having a panic attack. I thought I was dead and it was the scariest thing ever. Now I am terrified to go to sleep. But I am SOO happy that there are so many people on here that feel the same way, it has helped me so much. I suggest Natrol Anxiety and Stress pills, they are natural herbal tablets from whole foods (Naturals always best to try first) and there are day and night pills. They do help a bit, and also drinking tea and maybe falling asleep with music in headphones will help.
Thanks again everyone! So happy- thought I was dead!! hhaha
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been under so much stress that my brain won't stop. Tonight was the first time I felt like I was going to die and not wake up. I started thinking about my daughter and how I couldn't leave her. It got me into a panic and I eventually threw up. My head feels disconnected and I'm so afraid of passing out and not waking up.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I can't stop thinking about death. I've had many sleepless night and I did the stupidest thing by looking up insomnia and trouble sleeping. I'm diagnoses with Panic Disorder, but cant afford a doctor because I live in NYC with no health insurance. I read something about dying from sleep deprivation and it kept me awake (only sleeping 3 to 4 hours a night) for days on end. I also thought I had Fatal Familia Insomnia after reading about it. It was the worse fear I've ever experienced. I'm still dealing with this and I'm still afraid to fall asleep. I just want to cry, but my emotions are so messed up I can;t even do that. I just wish there was some way to not die so that we all wouldn't have to worry about it....I know that sounds silly and kuumbaiya like, but it's true. I also have very bad distorted views on reality. I freak out about being a human being.  At times I look at my hands and start to not feel like a real person. I've even become obsessed with wondering if there is an afterlife. God I hope so, because the thought of my vision blacking out or whiting out and then nothing after terrifies me. I wish we could know what comes after. I really do. I want to stop worry about this...maybe its because I'm getting closer to 30 and I feel like I've lost my youth. I live in the past sometimes and wish I could have done more in my 20's to be successful. i feel like I'm not were I'm supposed to be. I think to myself that I maybe have a good 40 years or so left and then nothing....absolutely nothing....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i m shilpa.....7 years gone...i die everyday ....i think that i am not going to wake up if i will sleep....i dont study because  i get scared that next day i wont be aable to wake up to give exam or to complete my study or to take care of my parents ....i get scared when i like someone because i think that i wont be able to be with him forever because of this fear....i gone to a pandit ...kinda...he told me that some one has done black magic on me.....help me ......i suffered 7 years....cried day and night....hellllllppppppppppppppppppp...what to do........help me ....whatever i suffered i dont wish others to suffer the same.......am i getting mad or what ??    told to one friend and he laughed...told to my cousin sis and she thought that i am talking silly...and then smiled....she tried to expalin with 2 lines and then left me with my disease...whom to say....want a cure now...day and night became hell
Helpful - 0
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?
Helpful - 0
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?
Helpful - 0
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
Helpful - 0
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...
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
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
I've been dealing with this since i got a form of staph infection that was resistant to antibiotics. They prescribed me an antibiotic that has some nasty side effects, such as heart palpitations, weakening of tendons/ligaments and extreme paranoia. I'd been taking it for several days and i started to doze off and go to sleep. I woke up suddenly and i felt my heart twisting in my rib cage and my body went limp. i tried to lift my arm and beat on the wall and call for my mom in the next room. i couldn't speak and i couldn't move. my vision went black and i saw a red light  and i started panicking. within a split second i felt a ticklish feeling in my brain followed by this sequence of events:
i prayed to God not to take me and i felt the hand of God reach down into my chest and squeeeze my heart and jolt me back to life. The scariest 30 seconds of my life. that was about 6 months ago. Ain't slept much since.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi All. I was surprised to see so many people suffered this problem, & wanted to tell you all that you can cure it, & without medication. Please read carefully below, act on each point, & I promise you you'll get a good night sleep & get rid of these irrational fears once & for all:

Facts:

Fear of Sleeping/Dying/Panic all are to do with Anxiety, Irrational Thoughts in the Mind & Lifestyle.

Causes & How to Cure them:

1) Irrational Thoughts: Train your mind, do not let it control you, you control it, you control your body. Remember that. The problem is as soon as you start to "think" as your about to go to sleep, or when you wake up suddenly in the middle of the night, that is when it goes downhill. Stop yourself straight away from "over imagination & thinking silly thoughts". When you feel like your going through that dreaded trend of fear building up in you, quickly take control! Occupy your mind for not more than a few minutes & you'll find the irrational thoughts & anxiety/panic feeling will disappear 100%. You can use a variety of techniques to help give yourself control over your body & mind within minutes. Get up, go take a few minutes walk, think about the next day & what things you might get up to. Go brush your teeth, have a wash, perhaps a shower. Go have a conversation with a loved one for a few minutes about any other topic you wish. Any few minute distraction is all you need to take control & stop any anxiety or build up of fear or irrational feelings. Repeat a religious prayer in your head 100 times, or perhaps sing your favourite song in your mind a few times. Talk to yourself, ask yourself how your feeling? Everything okay? Whichever way you approach it you'll feel amazing literally after 1 or 2 minutes, & will be in total control of your mind, breathing, body, & sleep. You will be in a happy & controlled state. & at that moment feel free to continue your "wind down routine" for the evening/night & get some well deserved sleep/rest, without any disruption. Smile knowing your in charge.

2) No Control or Routine in your life. You must ensure your day is a well structured fruitful day. Try to wake up at the same time, & go to sleep at the same time. Do not disturb your daily pattern, allow your body to get into a comfortable routine in "life". Ensure you have a fulfilling day, set some simple targets, make sure you achieve them or at least attempt to. Have no regrets for each day, feel positive.

3) Unhealthy Diet: It is very important that you have a healthy diet on a daily basis. Eat your 3 square meals a day, plenty of fruit & vegetables, plenty of water. Cut out the fast foods & unhealthy snacks. Losing control over your body, your weight, being overweight are key factors in why you "start" on that road to Anxiety/Panic/Sleep Fear. Control your diet.

4) Overweight/Lack of Fitness: If your lazy / overweight, this will also affect your sleep. It is part of losing control over your mind & body. To stay in control you must ensure you stay fit, healthy, & lead an active lifestyle. Exercise, join the gym. Take up a sport as a hobby with friends. Join a new activity club. Take up dance lessons. The more active you are, the more you'll control your fears & anxieties. The more empowered you become.

5) Loneliness: Make new friends, start dating, build a relationship with a girlfriend/boyfriend/husb&/wife. This will help a lot with those who wake up & feel panic/fear of dying, or short of breathe. It is directly related to loneliness & the thought that no one is near you, the atmosphere is silent, there is no life around you, & therefore it manifests irrationally into your mind.

6) Bedroom Ambience: Keep your bedroom uncluttered. This is your place to relax/sleep. It should feel spacious. Ensure there is a small amount of light perhaps at the corner of the room, or perhaps leave your door open just a crack. Let yourself relax knowing their is an option to get up & walk out & get some fresh air & light, to know your not stuck. Ensure your bed isn't directly near a radiator, nothing more irritating or frustrating than waking up to extreme heat/sweatyness. Room temperature needs to be at a level that helps you relax, so ensure your not over cooking yourself.  Ensure your window is near your bed, or at least in your eye view, so you feel open & spacious, refreshed, knowing the big wide world is out there & life is going on while you sleep, & it will be there again when you wake up in the morning. Everything will be fine. Remember that.

7) Dinner/Last meal of the Day: Have a cut off time. Don't eat late. This makes you feel full/bloated/short of breathe, not to mention your stomach & internal organs are busy breaking this food down that you just ate. So why would you put your body through that when it wants to sleep & relax? Be fair on your body. Your last meal of the day should be around 2/3 hours prior to when you want to sleep.

8) Dozing Off/Bad Sleeping Habits: If you follow all the rules above, you won't feel the need to read a book or watch television or listen to music to help you sleep, because your day will be fulfilled & satisfying, everything in your life is in order & you'll automatically get a great nights sleep & looking forward to closing your eyes & enjoying dreaml& with fresh fun filled relaxing dreams. Don't watch television or play games or snack whilst trying to sleep, have a clear cut off point & go to bed with the intention to sleep. The problem with watching television or other past times whilst trying to sleep is at some point inevitably you'll doze off.. & the problem is you never gave your body a fair chance/warning to indicate that you are going to sleep, so shut down & relax. Therefore when you wake up, the Television is still on, your confused & thinking what happened!? Where am I? What was I doing? & that's when silly irrational thoughts start entering your mind to ruin your sleep & build up anxiety & panic. That then leads on to thoughts of breathing - did I stop breathing? is my breathing slow? Am I going to die? It is a vicious cycle, & the funny thing is.. its all in your head. So don't punish yourself like that, have a positive great day, do all of the above, & when its time to sleep, stick to your "wind down go to sleep" mode routine, no distractions, & you'll find you'll go to sleep & have a great restful night. So always follow your "go to sleep" routine the same way every day, so you give your body & mind a fair chance to underst& that you intend to sleep so don't be "surprised" if you wake up in the middle of the night, because you've already programmed your brain to be ready for it. Whereas if you dozed off, you'll always wake up confused & start off the irrational trend of thought again.

9) Religion/Morals: This does help. If your a good person, & do good things in a day, & have good morals, then remember God is on your side. He will always be with you, & regardless of the crazy things that go on in this world & bad things that happen, one thing is for sure God will protect you while you sleep especially if you've got a good soul, a good heart, & morally on point every day. So leave yourself in his capable h&s & go to sleep smiling every night knowing nothing is more powerful than what created everything in the first place. Your in safe h&s.

If you follow the above steps, & act on all of them I promise you that your fears, anxiety, irrational thoughts, breathing, sleep issues will all be resolved. You will become the master of your own body, you will look forward to sleeping & looking forward to the next day, your life with have a positive edge to it & you'll be a more happier person for it.

I hope this has helped you all, & hope it helps change your life for the better. It makes me happy knowing I could share my findings & help people to overcome this pesky problem once & for all. :)

K Ahmed
Written on 24/01/2013
***@****
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hie......my friend i understand what you goin thru and iam goin thru that also,but guess im beginning to that this i occuring more frequent than ever and the reason is jus that our still hold the fear....And when our mind is in fear it keeps us very alert that you feel not normal or everything is going against you.You need to relax and find ways to deal with your worries.They will stop,you should have died along bak so just like me when it happens relax..................and deal witheveryday problems
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was lucky enough to only suffer from panic attacks for a short period of time before God led me to a site called PanicAway! This is a legit sight that got rid of my anxiety and fear WITHOUT MEDICATION OR MONEY SPENT! All I had to do was subscribe to the email newsletters and I got a new email everyday that wored miracles! I recommend it to anyone and everyone who suffers from general anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, etc. Barry McDonaugh (last name might be spelled incorrectly) is the name of the guy who runs this workshop and I guarantee the emails will make you feel TONS better!!!
Good luck and God bless!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i been having anxiety for the pass yr and im getting so tired of it,its one of my biggest issues in life,i hardly get some sleep,my heart beats very fast and loud and it gets me scared thinking that my heart will just stop or i will go crazy,and what's even worst is hard for me to excersise,take simple pills or have a drink once in a while :(i can't stand living like this,like im going to die any time soon please give me advice, thanks
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi I suffer form that to am scared every day and mins that iam going to die am just so affred about iy been like this for 4years now but the last week has been scary as I have a relly sore head as if some one it pushing it douwn and pain behind my eye and am walking about tired and weak fell as if that's it am just going to die right now so scary and am like watt if there's something roung in my head like a brain tumour n other stuff relly scared don't like going to docs beacuse a fell as if thay don't help thay always say its your enxity but thay don't no that if evny one has this our exps the same can u plz help me out thanks as I am a mum 2 a we girl age 4
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?