anyone have this issue? crazy heart attack things when falling asleep

[dedinsinsation]

ive wrote about this before and a week doesnt go by i read about it. But it doesnt seem to have a name and its probally nothing but its a scary. Its gotten better then worse then bad again. I go to lay down. And right when im falling asleep it feels like my heart jumps out of my chest or im having a heart attack. The feeling sometimes runs across my chest. Its like a jolt... I think its smoking cause smoking causes more anxiety and my heart to beat faster. I havent died from it. And its been happening since i was 16 but it seems like it happens every night now. And worse when im depressed or the night after i get drunk. I kinda think its a hyper sensitive thing cause it feels like when someone cares u and your heart flutters.. Like someone touches you when your falling asleep and you jump up.... Like when im falling asleep my heart beating makes me think something is touching me and i panic. Or something. Anyone had this weird problem? I was in the er i guess last december because i thought i was having a heart attack and they kept me for like 8 hours and said i was having a panic attack and everything was fine after they got me calmed down

[WhatIsNormal]

Sounds like a type of hypnic jerk.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnic_jerk

I get them when I am especially tired and it feels like it is coming from different parts of my body. It isn't always that whole body jerking feeling.

Anticipating it when you go to lay down is probably also bringing on anxiety, causing you to notice your heart beat more... etc. Try doing some relaxation exercises or meditations before bed.

[dedinsinsation]

Im kinda noting them tonight. Some of them arent even me feeling a jolt. Its just a strong fearful moment. Then weirdly enough it felt like my whole backbone vibrated. Then my chest.. I eventually settle down. I think caffeine and nicotene make this issue worse.

[want2bmeagain]

Sounds like "sensory sleep starts" which are sensations of fear, dread, doom ,etc..felt in the chest/abdomen area just as drifting off. They can occur with or without jolts, jerks. If the "fight or flight" response is hyperactivated, stress hormones will flood the blood stream leaving you in a state of hypervigilance. Your body is trying to protect you by keeping you awake, and the startle reflex can be extra sensitive. Try to relax during the day and do things to decrease your stress levels. Once the hormones are released in abundance, it can take hours for them to be cleared from your body.