Sleep Issues Are Out Of Control

[Deleted member 29311]

I'm hoping someone can help shine some light on this issue.

For a long time now, I get frequent panic attacks in my sleep, thinking I'm chocking on needles, toothpicks, someone's trying to choke me, etc. I run around my apartment, running into things and walls while I yell and cry for help. I often have my hand down my throat trying to remove this imaginary obstruction, or gripping my neck.

I've also tried killing myself in my sleep numerous times, by attempting to jump out of windows and stairwells.

Most of the time I have no idea anything happened when I wake up, my girlfriend tells me what happens and stops me from hurting myself.

I'm so exhausted from improper sleep, I can't think straight any more. Do any of you have any tips when it comes to night rituals for relaxation?

 

[Lionheart]

there's a medicine or two that might help you but I would recommend seeing a psychiatrist and/or a trauma specialist to address your problems with some trained proffessionals before you accidently harm yourself!!!

 

[Silver.]

I have my bedroom down like a fortress (I have chronic insomnia, add the ptsd, night terrors and all the other goodies). My bedroom is dark, with the only light being from a small clock. No television in bed and a sound machine. I have two of them. One is specifically white noise and the other one has options for when I want to meditate. Something about the white noise keeps me semi-"grounded" while I am asleep so what is going on in my dreams has some sort of connection to what is going on in my bedroom, if that makes sense? (It's not 100%, but on the nights that I am able to sleep, I have reduced my night terrors and sleep walking)

 

[Deleted member 29311]

I have my bedroom down like a fortress (I have chronic insomnia, add the ptsd, night terrors and all...

Silver-Ir it does make sense! I'm the same way, although instead of using a sound machine I use a fan on the high setting because it drowns everything out and the sound helps me relax.

I have a problem with ''boomy'', ''banging'' or ''slamming'' sounds. I need to know that it's completely quiet when I'm trying to sleep and that there's no potential for sound (except for my fan), otherwise my stress and anxiety remains extremely high and I get choking panic attacks/dangerous sleep walking during my sleep.

Is there anything else that helps you relax before bed?

 

[Silver.]

Lately I have been using a fan with the sound machine, because there is the one bird outside :/ *I am cracking up at my insanity at how loud the damn thing is, it sounds like a broken r2-d2* (I've tried ear plugs, a fake owl, everything short of cutting down the tree...I tangent...)

It takes me forever to unwind, even if I haven't done much during the day. I have a himalayan salt lamp I turn on, and I use that as my only source of light in the bedroom. I read a lot, so I always have quite a few books going and I find the one that is the most mellow, read and hope I fall asleep. I always try to start the wind down process at the same time every night, so there is structure. On the nights I sleep, it works. The white noise machine I own is one you find in therapists offices. I had tried a few others before this one, but if you listened, you would catch a hitch, or a pattern in the noise, and that drove me nuts.

Randomly, but related: Lately I have been using lemon balm tincture which is good for anxiety, it helps more during the day, but that could just be because of insomnia. I've read a lot of people find it helps them sleep. Some people have said that lavender works to get them to sleep. I guess if you are into candles, you could try a lavender candle, or essential oil. Other people do calming teas. I don't find that much else works other than just the repetitiveness and the sameness of my room. Sometimes I take melatonin if I am absolutely just "done" with not sleeping, or too many night terrors, or waking up on the front lawn from sleep walking.

I don't know if what works for me will work for you, but I hope it will. You sound like your sleep is similar to mine, and I am always open for new ideas and sharing what works.
x

 

[Dan28]

I'm hoping someone can help shine some light on this issue.

For a long time now, I get frequent panic att...

If medication to sleep isn't your optimal solution (for me medication isn't), I'd really dig into ways to make you feel safe while sleeping. For me, checking all doors/windows/locks and working my way toward the bedroom is my start. I really try to make my room my safe place--warm colors, comfort over design, organized.

While your issue is complex, small steps like above many help you. If you have any tips that work I'd like to hear them too, I have issues with sleep too.

 

[Friday]

For a long time now, I get frequent panic attacks in my sleep, thinking I'm chocking on needles, toothpicks, someone's trying to choke me, etc. I run around my apartment, running into things and walls while I yell and cry for help. I often have my hand down my throat trying to remove this imaginary obstruction, or gripping my neck.

It sounds like you're sleeping with your mouth open. I would try the lubricating oral rinse/gargle for people who don't have salivary glands (often cut during certain kinds of surgery), or who are on certain medications, right before bed (stuff lasts for hours) ... And a humidifier.

Because ^^^ is exactly what it feels like (choking on needles, toothpicks, etc.) when I fall asleep mouth breathing... But I don't get panic attacks tied to either of those feelings. I do get panic attacks tied to things like tooth pain. When I sort the tooth pain? The panic attacks start going away, too. So it would follow that if you're triggering over a dry throat & swollen/painful esophageal tissue from being all dried out? Lubricate the throat, and reduce/eliminate the panic attacks.