Why does this happen while I'm sleeping?

[AwakeAndUnafraid]

Hello everyone...

Once again I sit up at night after waking with a pounding heart and flushed feeling trying to figure out what is wrong with me.  I am diagnosed with PVC's, PAC's, MVP, mild OCD, migraines, and anxiety.  I feel anxious most of the time.  Now, when I try to sleep at night, a pounding heart wakes me from sleep with a flushing feeling that seems to go over me.  Sometimes I feel short winded for awhile after it happens.  The racing pounding heart will subside slowly until back to normal, usually within a few minutes.  It also seems to be accompanied with indigestion, or burning.  After it happens, I am afraid to go back to sleep because soemtimes it happens again, so I sit up and worry  It doesn't happen every night, but enough that I am exhausted most days.  I am so desperate for a good nights sleep.  I thought that maybe I was developing sleep apnea but I don't seem to have the most common symptoms, one being a loud snore and I am having a hard time believing that this is anxiety related.  If anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to what this could be and how I might get a good nights sleep, please respond.  I am so tired and don't know what to do...    

[Autumnx1003]

If you read my posts, you will see that I have a similar problem, although mine is not pounding so much as it is racing...and I dont necessarily get the flushing.  I get sweaty hands and feet, though, along with dry mouth and really bad shivering.  I have noticed lately too that I get some abdominal upset...like I have to go to the bathroom.  No doctor has been able to tell me why this happens...only that it is anxiety.  I have questioned the diagnosis as well.  If I were you, I would also post this on the anxiety forum as your story is similar to many others.  I hope this helps a little...

[patjd]

You sound so much like me.  I have been going through this since the fall.  I am on a beta blocker to slow my heart rhythum which seems to be working well.  I asked my doctor for a referral to sleep lab to get tested.  She said it was a waste of time because I only snored occasionally.  It ended up that I have sleep apnea and am using a CPAP machine to help.  I don't wake up in the night with a fast heart rate anymore.  Every doctor kept telling me I had anxiety.  I would get headaches, tremors, pvcs, pacs, tachycardia-Now I am feeling better, I am almost afraid to say it, because this has been a long road getting back to somewhat normal!!!!

[Jerry_NJ]

Hi, you blog handle says in part "Unafraid", was that the past state of mind and it has now progressed to "Afraid"?  If yes, what is different.

Have you tried sleeping in different positions, e.g., extra pillow(s), even in a sitting position?  Perhaps try to sleep on your back, verses you stomach... anything to change your breathing.  Perhaps your heart is pounding because if a need for oxygen, a need that goes away when you wake, as you change your position.

Are you on any medications?  Have you been prescribed anything for anxiety, or sleeping aids?  These are a few paths to explore if you haven't already done so.

[AwakeAndUnafraid]

I decided to scedule an appointment with my GP so that he can refer me for a sleep study.  Thank you both so much for responding.  

[AwakeAndUnafraid]

Unafraid is just a little positive thinking.  No meds at all as I am pill phobic as well (go figure)!  I think I will try sleeping in a different position tonight to see if that helps.  As I stated above, I am seeing my GP for a referal for a sleep study.  Thanks so much for all your suggestions.

[bob110]

extreem stress in your life will create lack of sleep, night sweats, and raised hrt.