Q: I'm not sure if I can explain this right but when i'm trying to fall asleep at night I will get this feeling like my heart stops and a flash of no air is getting in my lungs sort of like I stopped breathing for a second. I get palps alot and have associated it with menopause since i've been checked out by cardiologist. It only happens when I lay down and before i'm dozing off to sleep. Its like a shock of something going through my body. Sometimes I think its a anxiety attack or something. I was just wondering if you could explain this and what may be causing this to happen. thanks.
A: Hi Cathy
I realise you have spoken with your cardiologist about your heart palpitations, but it isn't clear from your question if you have spoken with your doctor or cardiologist about your other symptoms. ie feeling as if your heart has stopped beating and not getting air into your lungs.
People can have 'sensory shocks' and other sensations as they go to sleep at night. These can be part of the hypnogogic stage of sleep, but I always prefer that people do speak with their doctor about their symptoms, as they have the medical expertise to make an appropriate diagnosis.
This also includes people who have symptoms of a panic attack. These can mimic a number of physical conditions so it is important that people are fully assessed by their doctor.
Kind Regards,
Bronwyn Fox
Power Surge Anxiety-Panic Expert
Founder of The Panic Anxiety Hub
Author of Power Over Panic: Freedom From Panic/Anxiety Related Disorders"
