Shock-Like Feeling When Trying to Fall Asleep - Anxiety?

[maggiewunder]

For the past few weeks, I have been having a lot of trouble falling asleep. I can be completely relaxed (mentally and physically) and the moment I am about to drift off into sleep, I get jolted awake by an adrenaline/rushing feeling from the top of my head to my feet. It's accompanied by a wave of panic, and my whole body gets tingly (like I have to get up and start walking around).

I have a history of anxiety/panic attacks, but these feelings never come during the day - even if I am trying to take a nap!

I was on Lexapro for about 4 days but got off of it quickly due to bad side effects. Could this be a reaction to the Lexapro? Should I be evaluated by a doctor, or just try to manage my anxiety? The good thing is that last night was the first time it had happened in about a week!

[LyjB]

the same exact thing happens to me but when i try to explain it to me no one understands what i mean, or they just look at me funny. it doesnt happen every single night but when it does, it keeps me awake thinking my body woke me up as some kind of warning or something else. whenever that happens i have a hard time getting sleep for a week or two after because im afraid its going to happen again. ill stay up all night until i just cant stay up anymore because im so afraid. im not on any medications and i havent been diagnosed with anything like anxiety [but my father has]. should i talk to my doctor about this?