anxiety and sleep problems :(

Hi, so i have bad anxiety issues and feel a little better after reading all the posts about this issue makes me feel I'm not alone! But anyway I've had anxiety and panic attacks for years and also get nervous tension migraines normally I have it under control but for the last 4 days I've had 10 hours sleep, I'm sooo tired but I can't fall asleep, I've tried breathing exercises but every time the auto breathing kicks in I panic and gasp for breath, I've taken valerian fort (natural sleeping tablet) bit its done nothing! It's now 3 am and i still can't fall asleep and I feel like I'm losing my mind :( any suggestions?

[theaddict]

with panic attacks comes a lack of sleep for some people. and then there are some people, like myself, who wear themselves out so much during a panic attack, that they end up passing out anyway. i hope that makes sense.

i know that one thing that does help me through panic attacks is knowing that i'm not the only one that goes through them as well. there's nothing that makes me feel better than to know that online, there are so many forums, groups, posts, questions and answers where so many people share their stories and let others into their lives, by telling them what happens to them during these attacks. because i suffer from health anxiety, a lot of my panic attacks comes from me thinking that something is wrong with me. HOWEVER, i have white coat syndrome, where i am scared of doctors. so, i'm far from being a hypocondriac.

i hope some of this helps. but just know that everyone here on the forums are always here to help you. <333

[cj29]

In my experience with anxiety, I sometimes tended to have it peak at night when my mind was not preoccupied with the tasks of the day.  I think that a huge thing to remember is that your anxiety will definitely ebb will have its peaks and it can spike from time to time.  For example, I can go months without any major issues only to have a 'bad' week where it peaks due to a number of factors.   More stress at the job, at home, etc...and sometimes it is just a little bit worse for a short period of time.  

More importantly, what are doing in the meantime?  Are you currently in counseling?  For me, addressing the cause and confronting the anxiety has helped me deal with it in the long term....keep us posted!

[Jodina]

So after not sleeping all night I went to the doctor, he advised that I am over breathing when trying to fall asleep and causing my blood pressure to drop and make me feel weird and anxious, he also says I have insomnia and falling asleep is in waves if you miss the first wave you have to wait for the next one, he has also pescribed me serepax 15mg and told me to take one before I go to bed tonight, I've never had these type of tablets before and I'm a bit scared of taking it, but i should be fine right??
Also thanks heaps for the support and comments, it was helpful xoxo

[cj29]

I believe serepax is a benzo.  I would just take it as prescribed and follow the directions with the medication.  I have been on a benzo before, with success, for a fairly short amount of time.  Just ensure you follow your doctor's instructions.  Keep us posted!