Nocturnal Panic and GERD

[Ryan1722]

The simplest story is that when my stomach is upset I have a terrible time sleeping.  I start to drift off, then all of a sudden I awaken with a racing heart, strange "vibrations" in my chest, and a feeling of terror.  Many of the symptoms are like having a panic attack.  When I sit upright, it slowly fades away, but it comes back when I start to fall asleep again.  These end up being late, miserable nights.

I've tried various PPI's, drinking baking soda, even sitting fully upright -- and the attacks still happen!  The only way to get to sleep to put my finger down my throat till my stomach is empty.

I am 25, thin and fit.  I don't usually have heartburn.  Though the symptoms most resemble a panic attack, I lead a low-stress lifestyle and have only had panic attacks in the day once or twice in my life.

I've had this for years now.  It used to happen only occasionally, which I could handle, but now my stomach has bouts of sensitivity (gastritis, I think), during which this sleeping disturbance happens every night.  Last time, I started taking Reglan and it fixed my stomach disturbances and thus my sleep problems.  When I picked up Reglan this time around, I started getting twitchy side effects, so I quit taking it.

I am desperately looking for support and suggestions, so please offer what you can.  It is another late night for me.  Thanks.

[Londres70]

Do get this sorted out ASAP.  I would recommend consulting a Cardiologist for a workup.  

[Ryan1722]

Interesting!  A quick search led to this:  "If your A-Fib episodes occur usually at night, after a meal, when resting after exercising, or when you have digestive problems, you may have Vagal A-Fib"

My heartbeat has done some very strange things when I wake up from these episodes.  This looks promising.  Thanks for your help!

[Londres70]

Would have to agree with Flycaster305.  

This sounds more like a cardiac issue or an anxiety issue then a GI issue.