Stress Center Peer Support

I'm not one to have panic attacks in my sleep. I've only done it a couple of times and that was about a year ago when someone killed one of my best friends and I was having nightmares about seeing it happen. But other than that, its a very rare thing for me.

However, last night I semi-woke up at about 3AM in an anxiety attack. It was weird because I wasn't all the way awake but I couldn't fall completely back to sleep either. And I don't recall any bad dreams or anything that could really cause it. The only anxiety provoking thing I did yesterday was get my permit and even that I got through really well. I've definitely experienced more anxiety than what I did doing that so I don't think that could have triggered it.

The only thing that stands out to me is that I missed a birth control pill on sunday so I had to take 2 pills yesterday. Does anyone know if that could cause a spontaneous anxiety attack during sleep?

thanks,
Chelsie

Hi Chelsie,
This has happened to me before and can be very scary because your half asleep andnot sure whats going on. Anxiety can take on many different ugly faces. The trick is to remember that it's all "just anxiety" and will not hurt you, just try to scare you. Your definatly not alone. Take heart.
Anna
PS. If I drink Sleepytime tea before bed it helps me to sleep better, the kind with valerin root in it. It's been proven to decrease anxiety...

I don't wake up durin the night with anxiety, but I do have what I call "anxiety dreams." I find that if I do the relaxation tape right before bed, my dreams are much more peaceful.

I have never heard of this before, sorry I don't have anything to contribute. I have never even had a dream at all- that I know of anyway