CrystalD , thanks for the input. I've been having panic attacks upon waking. I think it may be due to the fact that we are moving from New Jersey to Florida. It's a big step. thanks, theem9

Thanks everybody. I am due July 2nd. I'm edgy right now, because I have to go to a dentist appt. and that ALWAYS brings on panic. We'll see how it goes.

Hi karie Waking up with anxiety and panic is a problem alot of us suffer from and each person has to find something that works for them to pass thru this situation. I used to feel pretty good in the evenings, right up until I fell asleep, then it seemed no matter what I did I either woke up with a PA or as soon as I opened my eyes in the morning I was having a panic attack. I suffered like this for several months and could find no solution. Finally I relaized that I was dreading going to sleep because it meant that I would wake up in panic. I started at this time to seriously begin to journal all my thoughts and feelings, so I set aside some time before I went to sleep for journaling. Then I added what I called my "hit list" just a short list of things I would do the next day that would give me some focus, even if it was just cleaning out the dresser. After I made the list I would lie down and meditate on my breath, doing a few deep breath cycles and then just trying to make my breathing deeper, slower and more regular. If I found my mind wandering to my thoughts I would bring it back to my breath and just follow the breath in and out slow and even and deep. This exercise eventually brought about enough relaxation so I was finally able to get a full nights sleep. I still wake up shakey some mornings and find that the panic monster is waiting for me, when that happens I will write down what I am feeling/thinking and being to do some breath exercises. Our bodies metabolism is at its lowest in the morning so not all of what you are feeling is panic and anxiety, but a true weakness that everyone has when they first wake up. The difference is that we [b]fear[/b] these sensations and that kicks in the adrenalin, which in turn creates more anxiety symptoms. As hard as it is, you must begin to do some positive self-talk when you feel this start as soon as you wake up and know that it is just [b]feelings[/b] and that these feelings, although they are uncomfortable and they upset you are just feelings and that they will pass. By keeping the journal after a few weeks I saw a pattern to my thinking and found what my triggers were, once I knew why I was upset I began to work on changing my negative thoughts. It didnt happen fast but by working on

I've had that same problem recently as well. I've had panic for at least 12 years and have never had that problem before so it bothers me that I have had it every day for at least the past three weeks. It's like you wake up and you see that it's still a couple hours before you have to get up and you know that if you get up you're going to be tired and icky all day so you try to force yourself back to sleep just to toss and turn and feel anxious until your alarm goes off. For the last three or four days, I have been able to get back to sleep though. The only thing I can tell you is to keep trying. Try to relax and think of something calming like an open field or a creek or laying in the grass watching the clouds float by. If you keep trying every day to get back to sleep, eventually you will break the habit. Be patient and don't be angry at yourself if you can't get back to sleep. It's ok to lay there awake. My husband's grandpa used to tell me when I tried to get my son to take a nap, "How can you schedule sleep - it comes when it comes!" I have to remind myself of that when I'm laying there awake feeling anxious. Your body will sleep when it needs it. It's a natural function, but like everything else in our lives, we get anxious when we can't control it. Give it some time and be patient. It will come. :)

Mine is every single night between 3:am -3:30. Each night I wake up, see the clock and it is the same time. For the last 2 nights I have REFUSED to get up out of the bed, for if I do I will start to obsess and think and panic. I have just made myself turn over, think of a story or event and fall back asleep.

I experience this as well. It seems like you should not wake up that way if you are asleep and relaxed. I used to be such a good sleeper too. I take care of two kids and it is hard to keep up when you are so tired. When is your baby due?

I am getting real tired of this. For the last week I have been getting up between 5-6 in the morning with panic. I'm not even fully awake and I feel the panic coming on. I have two active girls in the day and I am pregnant, all I want to do is sleep till past 7 and not wake up feeling like this. Why do I wake up feeling panic right away? Anyone else like this?