Why you feel a sense of panic when you drift off to sleep (or when you wake during the night)

If you are living with chronic insomnia, you likely have a high level of arousal. In other words, you are highly alert and when you do relax, it is very easy for you to return to a state of alertness.

This high level of arousal (known as hyperarousal) can make it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

When we combine hyperarousal with the natural changes that occur in our body as we are about to fall asleep and when we are sleeping, we can easily become very alert and worried during the night — and even experience symptoms similar to a panic attack as this worry produces an intense fight or flight response.

Understanding that many of these triggering symptoms are normal (for example, a sensation that you are breathing more slowly, your heart is slowing, you are feeling cold) can help reduce the arousal response and improve your sleep.

▶ Subscribe to the Insomnia Coach channel:    / @insomniacoach  

My name is Martin Reed and I am the founder of Insomnia Coach®. I offer sleep coaching services that give people with insomnia all the skills and support they need to enjoy better sleep for the rest of their lives. I also offer a free two-week sleep training course for people with insomnia at https://insomniacoach.com/sleep-train...

You can also find me here:

Website: https://insomniacoach.com
Twitter:   / insomniacoach  
Facebook:   / insomniacoach  
Instagram:   / myinsomniacoach  

All content found on the Insomnia Coach YouTube channel is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or medical treatment and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or other licensed healthcare provider. All content is provided as is, and without warranties.

#insomnia
#sleep