What is wrong with me?

[Libilee]

Hello, I have experienced two dizzy spells recently in my sleep. The first time it awoke me with heart palpitations, shortness of breath, my body shaking uncontrollably along with a headache. I was really scary. I woke my husband and he prayed for me and I went to the bathroom and defecated. I felt better but it haunted me for the rest of the day because I had never experienced that before. Well last night it happened again with the only difference being was I didn't use the bathroom. I am 42 and am known to have panic attacks only when I have a public speaking event. This is so embarasing but I have tried everything and still can't manage to gain control of my body shaking uncontrollably, palms and feet sweating and my voice cracking to pieces. I am too old for this! Can anybody help me? Am I having panic attacks in my sleep now?

Libilee

[nursegirl6572]

Hello and welcome!

It sure sounds like you're having panic attacks, but it's always a good idea to rule out a medical issue first.  When is the last time you've had a comprehensive medical exam, including blood work?  I would recommend starting there, to rule out the more obvious possible causes, like hormonal imbalances, etc...before chalking it up to anxiety.

You state that you have some history of anxiety, how have you managed that in the past?

[Drahcir73]

Hi Libilee, I'm fairly new to this myself, but it does sound like panic/anxiety attacks, I've been going through the same thing, I would wake up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding, body feeling clammy and sweaty and light headed,  when these were happening I also had recently stopped drinkin coffee and smoking pot, so it couldve been withdrawal symptoms?, hope this helps you out.

[Libilee]

I am an event planner and at night I often go through all of the details I need to tick off my to do list and the things I could do better.  Really other than that I don't have any problems.  I work as an environmentalist full time and an event planner part time.  I also have a 6 year old son and a very supportive husband.The first time it happened I remember going over details of a baby shower last night I dreamt that I was walking a little boy and he fell in a hole and I could not help him.

[ThePinkFloyd]

Do you have any reason for being anxious lately? Do you have anything in your mind? I mean like problems and serious stuff? Maby its your unconsciousness that is trying to tell you somthing.Sometimes when you are very stressed our mind work the issue in the backround just like a computer does.Maby this is due to your anxiety.Maby you could try to define what is the problem and try to solve it?