Iv been diagnosed with severe health anxiety. I am realy scared to go to sleep incase I never wake up its ruining my life to the point where I have to drink a couple beers but even that doesn't work. Has anyone had any silmiler experiences. Thank you
Tom, I know how scary health anxiety can be because I have it myself. However one thing I do know as a former nurse is that any symptoms related to anxiety cannot hurt you. They are scary and feel weird but that’s all I can do. Your heart will be fine while you were sleeping . Even with a fast heartbeat due to anxiety you will be just fine because your heart automatically and continuously beat whether you were sleeping, awake, anxious, or panicky. I’ve had health anxiety for over 40 years and none of the symptoms have ever hurt me.
Try listening to some very helpful and soothing meditations found on YouTube for anxiety, sleep, etc. There is also some great soothing music for anxiety and sleep. I listen to meditation in music every night and get a great nights sleep.
You need to learn proper breathing technique for anxiety which can also be found on YouTube. This helps a lot and combing down!
If I happen to wake up in the middle of the night, I play another one
. Try to stay away from alcohol for this because it actually makes anxiety and depression worse. Stay away from caffeinated beverages and smoking if you do.
exercise during the day really helps me sleep at night. I’ve had anxiety my entire life but it’s a lot better since I started taking better care of myself. Counseling can help too.
As long as you get check ups at the doctor, then start working on reducing anxiety. Chances are you are young and very healthy so enjoy your life! Life goes by way too fast so don’t waste it on fear because you can never get back a day that you lose! Take care
Trust me. You're not the only person to afraid of going to sleep. Jan already made some good suggestions. Here's some that might help also.
1) As you lie in bed, visualize your body sleeping. Tell yourself that sleeping is the equivalent of taking your vehicle to a full-service gas station. Your body needs sleep in order to repair itself. If sleeping was dangerous, our body wouldn't require sleep in order to function.
2) Try clearing your mind before going to bed. By that I mean deal with whatever is on your mind. Your bed is is not the place to think about relationships, your job, or any other potential stressor.
3) If you drink coffee or pop with caffeine, have your last sip at least six hours before going to bed. Caffeine is known trigger for anxiety and can stay in your system for six hours.
I would say good luck. But you don't need luck to overcome your anxiety. Perseverance and patience always wins out.