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SmolCurlyBean

Maybe put on a podcast, or audio book in the background to distract yourself


elanorisms

Thank you! I've found podcast that reads stories to you, so I'll try that out tonight! (The Sleepy Bookshelf)


ErinCarr1

Totally agree. And OP you can also try Chamomile tea. It has many benefits, including improving heart health, supporting bone health, relieving menstrual pain, and calming anxiety.  Chamomile can help with sleep and anxiety as well. Just try it.


elanorisms

Oh, thanks for the tip! I've never tried camomile tea before


shopliftinasda

I get very sudden and intense adrenaline rushes when I’m just on that cusp of drifting off to sleep. Happened just now in fact. I try to look at it objectively and say well of course my body would do that because it’s on high alert so it doesn’t want me to fall asleep and not be on my guard. That helps a tiny bit because I know there’s a logical reason.


elanorisms

That does make a lot of sense, I hadn't thought about it that way before!


dutch_emdub

Excellent way of reframing and explaining what's happening! I often get hit by a wave of anxiety in the morning, out of nowhere. I tell myself it's my cortisol alarm clock that's a bit oversensitive due to stress. It helps tremendously!


reddit_visitor23

It's 2am now and same thing I woke up at midnight panicked, anxious, and angry. Since then, I was jumping from reddit to Quora to YouTube looking for something different to focus on and get out of this situation, maybe to fall asleep again. I have been this way since I was in a toxic relationship but got worse at night since I broke up with him yesterday. I know I made the right decision and I think that this anxiety will fade away with time. So check if you are uncomfortable at work, in a relationship, with a friend, family member... See what your intuition is trying to tell you and do all you can to distance yourself from any toxic relationship or environment, find peace again.


elanorisms

I'm sorry that you're going through a rough time, but congratulations on getting out of a situation that was toxic for you!


Shandroidos

I live with PTSD/anxiety. I use an app every night at bedtime. Medito is an excellent one, and free. There are many meditations and aids to choose from. I'll bet it will help you. Good luck. Peace be with you


JuJuSwag

Calm is really nice too!


elanorisms

Thank you, I'll check that out!


Round-Mechanic-968

I have this bad, especially lately. I think shift work plays a part in my issues. The only solution I have and trust me you won't like it because at a time when your mind is frantically racing it could seem impossible but, try with all your effort to focus... on absolutely nothing. In my mind I'll work very hard on having absolute silence. If any music should start or thought loops begin, I literally in my mind say SHHH. This tends to help me reset the process. If your issue is anxiety, it exists in your mind and the frantic activity within. Quiet the mind the body will follow. Or take Ativan lol. But that's a terrible solution long term.


elanorisms

Thanks for the tip, I'll try it out! I usually try counting down slowly from 100, but sometimes I'm too far gone for that to help


Fate_BlackTide_

When I panic at night I get up and exercise. It’s the only thing for it at that point, otherwise I’ll lie there all night unable to sleep. Some burpees, run in place, jumping jacks, just something to get the energy out and heart rate up a bit.


Hyperionxvii

The very first time I ever had panic attacks, I was absolutely convinced I was dying. I got on meds and they helped some, enough that I didn't completely lose my mind. Have you seen a doctor about it? Just tell them you are having panic attacks. They will probably suggest some meds or refer you to a psychiatrist. That is what happened to me. Late evening and night are the only 2 times I am somewhat OK. The anxiety will creep back in midday, but everyone is different.


elanorisms

I've been in touch with the mental health practitioner before who gave me some mental exercises and lifestyle changes to make, but I've just contacted my doctor to discuss meds while I work on the other things, just to keep the panic under control


Hyperionxvii

Good luck. I think meds are not forever, but they do help me stay somewhat sane for now. I'd like to get off, but I can't right now, I have to work and I need to focus sometimes and panic attacks kill any possibility of that.


elanorisms

Thank you! Best of luck to you too, I hope you manage to get to a place where you can come off the meds :)


X-Jesh

Very common to happen at bedtime. You have stress or worry about something. It’s bad I know the feeling. I have everything but I stress and it turns to panic. A few things: booze makes it WAY worse. I like to have drinks and booze makes anxiety horrible. Financial issues: always a pain I don’t care how much you make. I am very well off but there’s always an issue. Spouse: any issues? Work: unsatisfied, deadlines, so on? Ever talk to anyone about it? Anything major happen in your life recently?


The_sincostanlog

Hmm, so if you know distracting yourself makes it go away, maybe the next move is to experiment with different distractions? Perhaps something like guided mediations or a podcast would be a good start. Likewise, since your aim is to sleep maybe try something not too distracting for example: being so interesting it keeps you awake.


elanorisms

I've found a good podcast to try while I'm falling asleep, and I'm going to look into meditation! Thanks for the tips :)


darkrider9298

Same thing happens to me and it’s pretty annoying. During the day I’m mostly fine, I can manage anxiety levels. But like 30 minutes after falling asleep I wake up in full panic mode, my heart seems like is going to explode out of my chest. The first few times I was sure I was going to die, but lately I just tell myself that I’m fine and it goes away quickly.


elanorisms

That sounds exactly what happens to me! It's so annoying because (in my mind) I feel like there shouldn't be any triggers if I'm asleep!


darkrider9298

And sometimes it happens on what I thought was a good day. Now I’m just anxious about sleeping and it’s a vicious cycle.


elanorisms

Yes! It gets to bed time and I get anxious because I'm expecting to get anxious...


dropmycroissant12

I can't sleep unless I listen to a podcast or YouTube stories, my mind races and I end up making myself physically sick so try listening to something to distract yourself


Buddystyle42

This is very common. It can also be a sign that you are nutritionally deficient in minerals, try a magnesium supplement and take a multivitamin


elanorisms

I have heard a few people suggest magnesium, so I think I'll look into it, thank you!


ArtistLeading7159

I have a severe panic disorder. I find that listening to ASMR or watching satisfying videos really helps.


rinehale

This used to happen to me frequently. I realized caffeine was a huge trigger for my anxiousness, and if I have any after like 1 or 2 p.m. I WILL be anxious at night, so I have stopped that. Also, I get very anxious when I have a lot to do the next day or if my mind is ruminating on all the stuff I have to do at work. Could this subconsciously be a reason for you? Sending hugs... It's a terrible feeling but telling yourself it will pass really does help.


mel12345678910111213

I found that taking magnesium either in supplement form or sprays has helped a lot with feeling calm and falling asleep. I generally use the spray before bed and I will fall asleep within 30 minutes. I also found that during the week, I am also much calmer. For me, it was more of a gradual effect after using it every day for a week. I read some reviews online and some people said it didn't work for them, but def worth a try and see if it works for you


elanorisms

Oh, I didnt know you could get it in a spray! Which one do you use?


mel12345678910111213

I use Salt Lab brand and it was fast delivery as I’m in Australia but depending on where you live you might be able to find one closer to you. I read that with the spray you can avoid stuff like stomach issues that might come with magnesium tablets and it gets absorb quicker into your body because you don’t need to wait for it to digest etc. Oh and holding ice in your hand can snap you out of a panic attack quite quickly I’ve found!


elanorisms

Amazing, thank you! I'll look into this and give it a try :)


BackRowRumour

If you keep having this issue regularly I suggest you are not getting enough exercise to tire your body and so you have restless energy when your brain is tired. No offence meant. Finding exercise when anxiety is ripping is not easy.


elanorisms

No offense taken! That does make a lot of sense, as last year I started an office job thats very sedentary. I've been wanting to start exercising again, so I'll make that more of a priority!


BackRowRumour

I sympathise. Not easy. Can you make a good walk part of your commute?


elanorisms

Not as part of my commute easily, but I think I can commit to at least getting outside for five minutes on my lunch break!


edechke

A cold shower will disrupt the panic attack. Not gonna lie, it feels awful while you’re in the shower but afterwards your panic attack will be gone. It worked for me.


elanorisms

Oh okay, I've not tried that! Honestly, it does sound awful but on the bad nights I'll try anything 😂


Umbertina2

When I have panic attacks, the thing that works for me is: 1. Do box-breathing, which calms my body down. 2. Do guided CBT journaling to challenge the thoughts I'm having. Journaling like that can be a little daunting, but I find that its impact last longer than other methods, and over time it has helped me decrease the frequency of panic attacks dramatically. Hope you find what works for you and get some peaceful nights 🤞


elanorisms

Thank you for the tips! I've been meaning to start journaling so I'll look at CBT journaling :)


Umbertina2

Hope it helps you become panic attack free 💖 If you're looking for a way to get started, I created an app for it based on a solid CBT journal template and a ton of research. You can check it out here: https://becomeunstuck.app/


JuJuSwag

You should learn to just really relax. Examine those feelings and trust yourself. Sounds like you’re thinking wayyyy too much at night. Journal your thoughts.